NICE has developed a Medtech Innovation Briefing (MIB) on the SpyGlass direct visualisation system for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures during endoscopy of the biliary system.

The SpyGlass is a visualisation and intervention system that is used for the diagnostic and therapeutic management of indeterminate strictures and large stones of the biliary system when standard endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is unsuccessful or considered inappropriate. Unlike standard ERCP, the SpyGlass is a single-operator system designed to visualise and facilitate access to the biliary ducts during both diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.

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.

NICE Medtech Innovation Briefings are commissioned by NHS England and produced in support of Innovation Health and Wealth.