NICE & CCSVI


NICE interventional procedure guidance 420. Percutaneous venoplasty for chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency for multiple sclerosis Issued: March 2012.



Current evidence on the efficacy of percutaneous venoplasty for chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) for multiple sclerosis (MS) is inadequate in quality and quantity. Therefore, this procedure should only be used in the context of research.


NICE encourages further research on percutaneous venoplasty for CCSVI for MS, in the form of robust controlled clinical trials. Studies should clearly define selection criteria and patient characteristics. They should also clearly define technical success which may include measurement of pressure gradients across treated vein segments before and after venoplasty. Outcomes should include clinical and quality of life measures.




"Spot on! I have been calling for this since the CCSVI issue arose. We need well designed clinical trials - not open labelled studies - but double-blind sham-controlled randomised studies. Nobody with MS should be paying for an unproven therapy. If you volunteer for trials it should be open and informed; you should sign a consent form. Even your travel costs should be covered. You should not be out of pocket. Don't forget this. There are too many Charlatans out there wanting to make money!" 


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