A new procedure must be a:
- Surgical procedure - making a cut or a hole to gain access to the inside of a patient's body.
- Procedure accessing the body cavity without cutting.
- Procedure using electromagnetic radiation. For example x-rays, lasers.
It must also:
- Be available within the NHS or independent sector, or be about to be used for the first time, outside formal research.
- Not yet be considered standard clinical practice.
Note: While guidance is in development, clinicians wishing to carry out the procedure, and their trusts, should ensure that special arrangements are in place for consent, governance, audit and research.