8 Sources of evidence considered by the Committee
A. The assessment report for this appraisal was prepared by BMJ Technology Assessment Group:
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Edwards, S. et al. Dual‑chamber pacemakers for treating symptomatic bradycardia due to sick sinus syndrome without atrioventricular block, part review of Technology Appraisal 88, July 2014.
B. The following organisations accepted the invitation to participate in this appraisal as consultees and commentators. They were invited to comment on the draft scope and assessment report. Organisations listed in I, II and III were also invited to make written submissions and have the opportunity to appeal against the final appraisal determination.
I. Companies:
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BIOTRONIK UK Ltd
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Boston Scientific
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Medtronic
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Sorin Group UK
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St Jude Medical Ltd
II. Professional/expert and patient/carer groups:
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Arrhythmia Alliance
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South Asian Health Foundation
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STARS (Syncope trust and reflex anoxic seizures)
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British Cardiovascular Society
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Royal College of Nursing
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Royal College of Physicians
III. Other consultees:
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Department of Health
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Welsh Government
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NHS England
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NHS Harrogate and Rural District CCG
IV. Commentator organisations (without the right of appeal):
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Association of British Healthcare Industries (ABHI)
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Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety‑Northern Ireland (DHSSPSNI)
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Health Improvement Scotland
C. The following individuals were selected from clinical experts and patient expert nominations from the consultees and commentators. They participated in the Appraisal Committee discussions and provided evidence to inform the Appraisal Committee's deliberations. They gave their expert personal view on dual‑chamber pacemakers by attending the initial Committee discussion and/or providing written evidence to the Committee.
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Dr Chris Plummer, Consultant Cardiologist and Electrophysiologist, nominated by the Association of British Healthcare Industries – clinical expert
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Dr Christopher Lang, Consultant Cardiologist and Electrophysiologist, nominated by Health Improvement Scotland – clinical expert
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Dr Simon Sporton, Consultant Cardiologist, nominated by the British Cardiovascular Society – clinical expert
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Michele Turner, nominated by STARS (Syncope trust and reflex anoxic seizures) – patient expert
D. Representatives from the following companies attended Committee meetings. They contributed only when asked by the Committee chair to clarify specific issues and comment on factual accuracy.
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Medtronic
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Sorin Group UK
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St Jude Medical UK Ltd