Search results

Evidence-based recommendations on transvenous obliteration for gastric varices. This involves inserting a tube with a tiny balloon on the end into a vein in the thigh or neck. The tube is then passed into the enlarged vein in the stomach (gastric varix) and the balloon is inflated to stop blood flowing into the vein. The vein is then blocked using one of several techniques. The aim is to reduce the risk of bleeding.

Result type

HealthTech guidance

Published

7 February 2023

Evidence-based recommendations on trabeculectomy with a biodegradable collagen matrix implant for glaucoma. This involves cutting a small flap in the white of the eye and putting a patch over the flap to help healing and prevent scarring. Fluid slowly drains out of the flap and the patch dissolves over time. The aim is to reduce pressure in the eye and slow or stop damage to sight.

Result type

HealthTech guidance

Published

17 January 2023

Evidence-based recommendations on laparoscopic insertion of a magnetic ring for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. This involves placing a ring of beads outside of the food pipe, just above the stomach. Magnets inside the beads hold them together to keep the food pipe closed but are weak enough to move apart to allow food or liquid to be swallowed. The aim is to prevent acid reflux.

Result type

HealthTech guidance

Published

11 January 2023

Evidence-based recommendations on transcutaneous electrical stimulation of the trigeminal nerve for ADHD. This involves a single-use electrode patch stuck to the forehead, which sends small electrical pulses through the skin during sleep.

Result type

HealthTech guidance

Published

11 January 2023

Evidence-based recommendations on percutaneous image-guided cryoablation of peripheral neuroma for chronic pain. This involves using a needle-like probe to freeze and destroy small parts of nerves in neuromas to stop the pain signals.

Result type

HealthTech guidance

Published

4 January 2023

Evidence-based recommendations on auditory brain stem implants for deafness caused by damage to the vestibulocochlear nerve due to tumours or surgery. This involves placing an implant in the part of the brain that processes sound signals, bypassing the nerve, to pick up electrical signals from a sound processor worn outside the ear.

Result type

HealthTech guidance

Published

26 January 2005

Evidence-based recommendations on tunnelled peritoneal drainage catheter insertion for refractory ascites in cirrhosis. This involves inserting a catheter under the skin in the abdomen to drain excess fluid when needed, at home or in community care. The aim is to reduce the need for hospital admissions and improve quality of life.

Result type

HealthTech guidance

Published

23 November 2022

Evidence-based recommendations on ab interno canaloplasty for open-angle glaucoma. This involves widening the channel that drains fluid from the eye. The aim is to reduce pressure in the eye.

Result type

HealthTech guidance

Published

22 November 2022

Evidence-based recommendations on percutaneous ultrasound-guided microwave ablation for symptomatic benign thyroid nodules. This involves using microwaves from a wire inserted into the nodule to heat and destroy it (ablation).

Result type

HealthTech guidance

Published

16 November 2022

Evidence-based recommendations on extracorporeal shockwave therapy for calcific tendinopathy in the shoulder. This involves placing a device on the skin that delivers short pulses of sound into the shoulder. The aim is to reduce pain and improve shoulder function.

Result type

HealthTech guidance

Published

9 November 2022

Evidence-based recommendations on YAG laser vitreolysis for symptomatic vitreous floaters. This involves a special type of laser (YAG) firing short pulses of energy into the floaters, to break them up (vitreolysis) and reduce sight disturbances.

Result type

HealthTech guidance

Published

26 October 2022

Evidence-based recommendations on transcutaneous electrical stimulation of the supraorbital nerve for treating and preventing migraine in adults. This involves attaching a small device on the forehead to send small electrical currents to the nerves that bring sensation to the upper eyelids, forehead and scalp.

Result type

HealthTech guidance

Published

26 October 2022

Evidence-based recommendations on neurostimulation of lumbar muscles for refractory non-specific chronic low back pain in adults. This involves implanting a pulse generator under the skin of the upper buttock or lower back, which the person can use to manage their pain.

Result type

HealthTech guidance

Published

22 September 2022

Evidence-based recommendations on removal, preservation and subsequent reimplantation of ovarian tissue to prevent symptoms from the menopause. This involves removing a small piece of ovarian tissue using keyhole surgery, freezing and storing it. After menopause starts, the tissue is thawed and transplanted under the skin of the armpit, abdomen or forearm, with the aim of producing oestrogen.

Result type

HealthTech guidance

Published

21 September 2022

Evidence-based recommendations on coil embolisation of ruptured intracranial aneurysms. This involves passing a thin tube through the body to place coils inside the aneurysm.

Result type

HealthTech guidance

Published

26 January 2005

Evidence-based recommendations on prostatic urethral temporary implant insertion for lower urinary tract symptoms caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia. This involves positioning a temporary implant in the urethra to increase the flow of urine.

Result type

HealthTech guidance

Published

21 September 2022

Evidence-based recommendations on superficial venous arterialisation for chronic limb threatening ischaemia in adults. This involves joining an artery in the lower leg to a large vein to divert blood flow through the vein towards the foot, bypassing the blocked arteries.

Result type

HealthTech guidance

Published

24 August 2022

Evidence-based recommendations on transcutaneous electrical neuromuscular stimulation for urinary incontinence in adults. This involves stimulating nerves and muscles in the pelvic floor to strengthen the muscles and reduce urine leaks.

Result type

HealthTech guidance

Published

24 August 2022

Evidence-based recommendations on single-step scaffold insertion for repairing symptomatic chondral knee defects. This involves inserting a scaffold into the damaged area of the knee to support regrowth and repair of the cartilage.

Result type

HealthTech guidance

Last updated

5 August 2025

Evidence-based recommendations on phrenic nerve pacing for ventilator-dependent high cervical spinal cord injury. This involves stimulating the phrenic nerve to make the diaphragm contract, helping people to breathe without a ventilator.

Result type

HealthTech guidance

Published

21 August 2024

Evidence-based recommendations on phrenic nerve pacing for congenital central hypoventilation syndrome. This involves direct stimulation of the phrenic nerve, to produce the inhalation phrase of breathing.

Result type

HealthTech guidance

Published

21 August 2024

Evidence-based recommendations on minimally invasive percutaneous surgical techniques with internal fixation for correcting hallux valgus. This involves cutting into the big toe to remove the bunion and securing the bones at the front of the foot.

Result type

HealthTech guidance

Published

20 June 2024

Evidence-based recommendations on endoscopic duodenal mucosal resurfacing for insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes. This involves using heat to destroy the lining of the duodenum to encourage a new lining to grow.

Result type

HealthTech guidance

Published

16 May 2024

Evidence-based recommendations on selective internal radiation therapy for neuroendocrine tumours that have metastasised to the liver. This involves injecting tiny radioactive spheres into the blood vessels that supply the liver metastases.

Result type

HealthTech guidance

Published

16 May 2024

Evidence-based recommendations on radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation in association with other cardiac surgery. This involves scarring the heart tissue using heat to interrupt abnormal electrical signals.

Result type

HealthTech guidance

Published

25 May 2005

Evidence-based recommendations on endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy for treating lacrimal sac or nasolacrimal duct obstruction. This involves making a connection that bypasses the blocked area so that the tears can drain straight into the nose.

Result type

HealthTech guidance

Published

23 February 2005

Evidence-based recommendations on artificial trapeziometacarpal joint replacement for treating end-stage osteoarthritis. This involves replacing the arthritic joint at the base of the thumb with an artificial joint.

Result type

HealthTech guidance

Published

23 February 2005

Evidence-based recommendations on focal therapy using high-intensity focused ultrasound for localised prostate cancer. This involves using high-intensity focused ultrasound to heat up and destroy only the areas of the prostate with cancer (focal therapy). The aim is to destroy the cancer while reducing damage to healthy prostate tissue.

Result type

HealthTech guidance

Published

5 April 2023

Evidence-based recommendations on percutaneous thoracic duct embolisation for persistent chyle leak. In this procedure, under general anaesthesia, ultrasound and X-rays are used to create an image of the thoracic duct and find the leak. Then, using a needle, a tube is inserted through the abdominal wall (percutaneous) and guided into the thoracic duct. Small metal coils and medical glue are inserted through the tube and used to plug the leak (embolisation). The aim is to stop the leak.

Result type

HealthTech guidance

Published

5 April 2023

Evidence-based recommendations on percutaneous transluminal renal sympathetic denervation for resistant hypertension. This involves inserting a device through the skin (percutaneous) into an artery in the thigh and then into the renal arteries (transluminal). It sends radio or sound waves to destroy the nerves in the renal arteries (sympathetic denervation). The aim is to lower blood pressure.

Result type

HealthTech guidance

Published

1 March 2023

Evidence-based recommendations on endoluminal gastroplication for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. This involves an endoscopic fastening device being inserted through the mouth and into the stomach, along with an endoscope for constant visualisation. The device is used to attach the fundus to the anterior and left lateral wall of the distal oesophagus slightly above the oesophagogastric junction.

Result type

HealthTech guidance

Published

1 March 2023

Evidence-based recommendations on artificial metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joint replacement for end-stage arthritis. This involves removing the diseased joints and replacing them with artificial ones.

Result type

HealthTech guidance

Published

23 February 2005

Evidence-based recommendations on lung volume reduction surgery for treating advanced emphysema. This involves removing damaged lung tissue using a special stapling device, a laser, or both.

Result type

HealthTech guidance

Published

23 February 2005

Evidence-based recommendations on radiofrequency denervation for osteoarthritic knee pain. This involves applying heat (radiofrequency) energy to damage the nerves (denervation) that are causing pain in the knee.

Result type

HealthTech guidance

Published

28 June 2023

Evidence-based recommendations on botulinum toxin type A injections into the urethral sphincter for idiopathic chronic non-obstructive urinary retention. This involves injecting botulinum toxin type A into the urethral sphincter.

Result type

HealthTech guidance

Published

28 June 2023

Evidence-based recommendations on minimally invasive fusionless posterior-approach surgery to correct idiopathic scoliosis in children and young people. This involves inserting a rod along the spine through a small cut in the back.

Result type

HealthTech guidance

Published

22 June 2023

Evidence-based recommendations on endoscopic ultrasound-guided gallbladder drainage for acute cholecystitis when surgery is not an option. This involves inserting a stent through an endoscope into the gallbladder.

Result type

HealthTech guidance

Published

22 June 2023

Evidence-based recommendations on arthroscopic trochleoplasty for patellar instability. This involves reshaping the bony anatomy of the trochlea by deepening the groove or elevating the lateral wall.

Result type

HealthTech guidance

Published

23 January 2014

Evidence-based recommendations on percutaneous closure of the patent foramen ovale for the prevention of cerebral embolic stroke. This involves placing a small device into the heart to close the hole.

Result type

HealthTech guidance

Published

18 December 2013

Evidence-based recommendations on phrenic nerve transfer in brachial plexus injury. This involves finding the phrenic nerve, cutting it and joining it to the damaged nerve in the brachial plexus.

Result type

HealthTech guidance

Published

27 November 2013

Evidence-based recommendations on negative pressure wound therapy for the open abdomen. This involves using a small pump to remove infected material, stop fluid escaping and help the wound heal.

Result type

HealthTech guidance

Published

27 November 2013

Evidence-based recommendations on subfascial endoscopic perforator vein surgery. This involves cutting and closing off, or heating and sealing, perforator veins so that blood can no longer go through them.

Result type

HealthTech guidance

Published

27 May 2004

Evidence-based recommendations on endoscopic radiofrequency ablation for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. This involves using heat from electrodes to change the tissues in the oesophagus, with the aim of reducing symptoms.

Result type

HealthTech guidance

Published

28 August 2013

Evidence-based recommendations on translaryngeal tracheostomy (TLT). This involves passing a tube from inside the windpipe to outside the neck to aid breathing.

Result type

HealthTech guidance

Published

23 August 2013

Evidence-based recommendations on insertion of customised exposed titanium implants, without soft tissue cover, for complex orofacial reconstruction. This involves making the titanium implants specially to fit the person using a model of their face.

Result type

HealthTech guidance

Published

23 July 2013

Evidence-based recommendations on corneal inlay implantation for correction of Presbyopia. This involves placing a disc inside a flap or pocket made in the cornea to improve near vision.

Result type

HealthTech guidance

Published

26 April 2013

Evidence-based recommendations on occipital nerve stimulation for intractable chronic migraine. This involves using implanted electrodes to deliver electrical impulses to the occipital nerve to mask migraine pain.

Result type

HealthTech guidance

Published

26 April 2013

Evidence-based recommendations on transpupillary thermotherapy for age-related macular degeneration. This involves using a laser to heat and seal up the blood vessels that are causing the problems.

Result type

HealthTech guidance

Published

27 May 2004

Evidence-based recommendations on peripheral nerve-field stimulation for chronic low back pain. This involves implanting electrodes in the back, connected to a neurostimulator under the skin to mask the back pain by modulating the transmission of pain signals to the brain.

Result type

HealthTech guidance

Published

27 March 2013

Evidence-based recommendations on percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for refractory neuropathic pain. This involves inserting electrode needles underneath the skin connected to a stimulator device.

Result type

HealthTech guidance

Published

27 March 2013