Thermogard XP for therapeutic hypothermia after cardiac arrest

NICE has developed a medtech innovation briefing (MIB) on Thermogard XP for therapeutic hypothermia after cardiac arrest.

The Thermogard XP temperature management system controls a patient’s body temperature through central venous heat exchange. It can be used to induce and maintain therapeutic hypothermia in critically ill patients after cardiac arrest. One retrospective cohort study based on registry data found that Thermogard XP cooled the body more rapidly than surface-cooling devices with automatic temperature feedback systems. However, in this study, there was no statistically significant difference in neurological outcomes or in-hospital mortality. The per-patient consumable cost of Thermogard XP is between £500 and £900 depending on the type of catheter needed.

Medtech innovation briefings provide a description of the medical technology, including its likely place in therapy, the costs of using the technology and a critical review of the strengths and weaknesses of the relevant published evidence.

Their purpose is to provide objective information on device and diagnostic technologies to aid local decision-making by clinicians, managers and procurement professionals. By making this information available, NICE helps to avoid the need for NHS organisations to produce similar information for local use.

Medtech innovation briefings are not NICE guidance. They differ in format, contain no judgement on the value of the technology and do not constitute a guidance recommendation.

MIBs are commissioned by NHS England and produced in support of the NHS 5 Year Forward View, specifically as one of a number of steps which will accelerate innovation in new treatments and diagnostics.