Covidien receives NICE backing for BIS brain monitoring system

Covidien has received a recommendation from the UK's National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) for its Bispectral Index (BIS) monitoring system to be used as a means of assessing the depth of anaesthesia.

The regulatory body has endorsed the use of electroencephalography-based monitors among patients who are receiving total intravenous anaesthesia, as well as for those considered at high risk of adverse outcomes during any type of general anaesthesia.

For example, people at high risk of unintended awareness or excessively deep anaesthesia can benefit from use of the BIS device, which can help clinicians assess patient consciousness levels through electrical activity in the brain.

Dr Scott Kelley, chief medical officer for respiratory and monitoring solutions at Covidien, said: "With BIS brain monitoring technology, anaesthetists, in combination with their other standard practices, can accurately determine consciousness and tailor anaesthesia dosing to ensure optimal patient experience and minimise risks."

Last month, the company published data from a study called Definitive LE, which demonstrated the benefits of its SilverHawk and TurboHawk peripheral plaque excision systems in the treatment of peripheral arterial disease.