HTA on IPC is challenged by surgeon

By Lloyd Mudiwa. The intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) device remains unproven for widespread adoption in people with severe peripheral arterial disease who are not candidates for revascularisation via angioplasty or surgical intervention, the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has said. The health watchdog recently published the results of a health technology assessment (HTA) of IPC, which is designed to increase blood flow in the lower limbs to relieve pain, promote wound healing and decrease the risk of amputation, in severe peripheral arterial disease. Dr Máirín Ryan, Director of Health Technology Assessment in HIQA, said: “Although some promising results have…