National Innovation Centre gives thumbs-up to ALFApump system

THE NHS National Innovation Centre (NIC) has given its support to the adoption by health trusts of a new fluid management system.

Following an independent economic assessment of the ALFApump System from Sequana Medical, Brian Winn, head of the NIC, said: “This is a revolutionary fluid management solution for patients with ascites , which could save the NHS significant amounts of money by eliminating the costs associated with repeat medical interventions while significantly improving patients' quality of life."

ALFApump is indicated for the management of refractory and recurrent ascites due to liver cirrhosis; a condition where massive and uncontrolled fluid accumulation occurs in the abdominal cavity. The fully-implantable battery-powered pump system slowly removes ascites as it forms by transferring it to the bladder where it is eliminated through normal urination. This condition affects around 3,000 people every year in the UK.

Rajiv Jalan, a professor of hepatology at University College London and an honorary consultant at the Royal Free Hospital, said of the technology: "The ALFApump System is an exciting innovation in the care of refractory ascites patients, for whom current treatment options are very limited."

Patients are typically managed with large-volume paracentesis; an invasive procedure in which the ascites is drained over a number of hours through a large needle inserted in the abdomen.

Dr Farzana Malik of Sequana Medical said the new system would prove to be a breakthrough in the future care of patients, adding: "I am delighted that the National Innovation Centre has recognised the considerable economic benefits to the NHS offered by the ALFApump System. This is a unique technology that provides significant benefits for patients, clinicians and the NHS."