Key result
Off-label use of drugs and devices in neuroendovascular procedures is common and should be based on sound evidence categorized by the level of available support.
Off-label use of drugs and devices is common in neuroendovascular procedures and should be based on sound evidence.
Urges evidence-based caution for off-label neuroendovascular interventions; leaves open systematic categorization of support levels for future research.
SUMMARY: The off-label use of drugs and devices in neuroendovascular procedures is common. Neurointerventionalists should be well aware of the level of evidence available in support of the off-label use of drugs and devices in their practice and some of the potential adverse events associated with them. These uses are categorized as I or II if they have been evaluated as primary or ancillary interventions in prospective trials/registries of neuroendovascular procedures and III if they were evaluated in case series. Category IV use is based on evaluation as primary or ancillary interventions in prospective trials/registries of non-neuroendovascular procedures. Physicians are allowed to use off-label drugs and procedures if there is strong evidence that they are beneficial for the patient. The neurointerventional professional societies agree that off-label use of drugs and devices is an important part of the specialty, but practicing providers should base their decisions on sound evidence when using such drugs and devices.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Abdihalim et al. (2013) conducted a review in Neuroendovascular procedures. Off-label use of drugs and devices was evaluated. Off-label use of drugs and devices in neuroendovascular procedures is common and should be based on sound evidence categorized by the level of available support.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: