Improving blood flow to the brain in patients with multiple sclerosis

It is possible that there is a link between blocked veins in the neck and/or trunk and progression of multiple sclerosis. This procedure aims to open blocked veins by inflating a small balloon in the vein, allowing for better blood flow and a reduction in the symptoms of multiple sclerosis.

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) is examining percutaneous venoplasty for chronic cerebrospinal venous insuf?ciency (CCSVI) in multiple sclerosis and will publish guidance on its safety and efficacy to the NHS in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. NICE’s Interventional Procedures Advisory Committee has considered the available evidence and the views of Specialist Advisers, who are consultants with knowledge of the procedure. The Advisory Committee has made provisional recommendations about percutaneous venoplasty for chronic cerebrospinal venous insuf?ciency (CCSVI) in multiple sclerosis.

This document summarises the procedure and sets out the provisional recommendations made by the Advisory Committee. It has been prepared for public consultation. The Advisory Committee particularly welcomes:

• comments on the provisional recommendations


• the identification of factual inaccuracies


• additional relevant evidence, with bibliographic references where possible.

More: at http://guidance.nice.org.uk/IP/891/DraftGuidance