Guidance
Evidence-based recommendations on HeartFlow FFRCT for estimating fractional flow reserve from coronary CT angiography.
In May 2021, we updated this guidance to reflect 2021 costs. Details of the changes are explained in the review decision. The update also includes revised cost-saving estimates. New evidence and updated costs identified during the guidance review are marked [2021].
Please note that the NICE guideline on chest pain was updated during the development of this guidance.
The clinical and cost evidence used to develop recommendations on HeartFlow FFRCT related to patients who would have been assessed, using previously recommended clinical scoring systems, as having a pre-test probability of intermediate risk (10% to 90%) of coronary artery disease.
Implementation
NICE has developed tools, in association with relevant stakeholders, to help organisations put this guidance into practice.
Is this guidance up to date?
Next review: This guidance will be reviewed if there is new evidence that is likely to change the recommendations.
Guidance development process
How we develop NICE medical technologies guidance
NICE medical technologies guidance addresses specific technologies notified to NICE by sponsors. The ‘case for adoption’ is based on the claimed advantages of introducing the specific technology compared with current management of the condition. This case is reviewed against the evidence submitted and expert advice. If the case for adopting the technology is supported, then the technology has been found to offer advantages to patients and the NHS. The specific recommendations on individual technologies are not intended to limit use of other relevant technologies which may offer similar advantages.
Your responsibility
This guidance represents the view of NICE, arrived at after careful consideration of the evidence available. When exercising their judgement, healthcare professionals are expected to take this guidance fully into account, and specifically any special arrangements relating to the introduction of new interventional procedures. The guidance does not override the individual responsibility of healthcare professionals to make decisions appropriate to the circumstances of the individual patient, in consultation with the patient and/or guardian or carer.
All problems (adverse events) related to a medicine or medical device used for treatment or in a procedure should be reported to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency using the Yellow Card Scheme.
Commissioners and/or providers have a responsibility to implement the guidance, in their local context, in light of their duties to have due regard to the need to eliminate unlawful discrimination, advance equality of opportunity, and foster good relations. Nothing in this guidance should be interpreted in a way that would be inconsistent with compliance with those duties. Providers should ensure that governance structures are in place to review, authorise and monitor the introduction of new devices and procedures.
Commissioners and providers have a responsibility to promote an environmentally sustainable health and care system and should assess and reduce the environmental impact of implementing NICE recommendations wherever possible.