Advice

Summary

Summary

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.

Product summary and likely place in therapy

  • ERBE cryotherapy systems for bronchoscopy use freeze‑thaw techniques via a flexible cryoprobe for biopsy, recanalisation and selective tissue necrosis for diagnosing and managing diseases that have caused narrowing or obstruction of the trachea or bronchi.

  • The ERBE cryotherapy system would be used in place of conventional bronchoscopic forceps biopsy and recanalisation techniques.

Effectiveness and safety

  • Five studies investigated the use of ERBE flexible cryoprobes and cryotherapy systems.

  • Three of these were randomised controlled trials in Germany and Iran. They all showed that cryobiopsy improved diagnostic yield when compared with conventional forceps biopsy.

  • One prospective study and 1 retrospective study, both done in Germany, showed that cryorecanalisation was successful in most patients.

Technical and patient factors

  • There are 2 ERBE cryotherapy systems and 7 ERBE flexible cryoprobes, which differ in diameter and length. ERBE cryoprobes are compatible with all flexible bronchoscopes.

  • The cryoprobe is placed on the target tissue through a bronchoscope. Once in position, the cryoprobe is frozen, which then freezes the target tissue. The frozen tissue sticks to the tip of the cryoprobe. It can then be removed, either as part of the treatment or for diagnosis. The cryoprobe can also be used to destroy pathological lung tissue (cryonecrosis).

  • The procedures would be done in secondary care settings by medical professionals trained in bronchoscopy.

Cost and resource use

  • The typical list price of the ERBECRYO 2 system is £10,051, excluding VAT. This includes 1 reuseable cryoprobe.

  • No evidence on resource use was available.