New pioneering treatments rolled out on NHS

Every hospital in England will be able to access seven new gadgets that are being rolled out by the NHS from next week.

NHS England chief executive Amanda Pritchard said that the innovations, which include a tiny balloon to treat chronic sinus infection and steam bursts to shrink an enlarged prostate, will ensure tens of thousands of patients can be treated for often debilitating conditions faster, while also saving time for staff and helping address Covid-19 backlogs.

The technologies, supported through the MedTech Funding Mandate, will save the NHS in England up to £57.5 million per year, compared to the cost of more traditional procedures.

Pritchard said: “The NHS has always been at the forefront of medical innovations and while many of these gadgets may be small, they will make a huge difference to the lives of tens of thousands of patients every year as well as freeing up time for NHS staff.

“From a tiny balloon that can go up your nose to get rid of sinus pain to a burst of steam that can shrink an enlarged prostate – these cutting-edge devices show how the NHS is embracing the latest lifechanging technology and rolling it out at speed for patients across the country. NHS staff are working hard to address Covid backlogs, and technology can really help us make inroads on the road to recovery.”

XprESS, the novel treatment for chronic sinusitis, works by inflating a tiny balloon inside the patient’s nose, clearing blockages and relieving headaches and pain. It is recommended when surgery fails to clear the blockages and can be done in a ‘dental-style’ appointment with people heading home just a couple of hours after arriving at hospital.

Chronic sinusitis is a swelling of sinuses which lasts for more than 12 weeks and affects around 110,000 people in England and symptoms include pain, a blocked nose, reduced sense of smell and headaches.

The NHS will also be rolling out a new package of measures to treat an enlarged prostate including bursts of steam that can shrink the prostate and avoid the need for long, complicated surgery as well as a laser treatment, which can be carried out in a day without the need for patients to stay overnight.

An enlarged prostate is common in men over 50, affecting nearly four million each year in England – it can place pressure on the bladder and urethra often causing a frequent need to urinate or difficulties urinating, which can become severe and make everyday activities difficult to manage.