ERBE flexible cryoprobes for bronchoscopic diagnosis and treatment

NICE has developed a medtech innovation briefing (MIB) on ERBE flexible cryoprobes for bronchoscopic diagnosis and treatment.

ERBE cryoprobes and the associated cryotherapy systems (ERBE Elektromedizin) use freezing technology for diagnostic biopsies and therapeutic interventions such as recanalisation as part of bronchoscopy procedures. The published evidence summarised in this briefing comes from 5 studies in adult populations. Three randomised controlled studies showed that cryobiopsy improved the diagnostic yield when compared with conventional forceps biopsy. Two additional studies examined the safety and efficacy of cryorecanalisation for airway obstruction caused by tumours, which was shown to be successful in most patients. The typical list price for the ERBECRYO 2 system is £10,051, excluding VAT. This includes 1 reuseable cryoprobe.

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.