This document addresses the convection–enhanced delivery (CED) process for administering antineoplastics and other agents directly into the brain and the surrounding tissue. CED is a delivery technique to bypass the blood brain barrier (BBB) and administer therapeutic agents directly into targeted brain parenchyma or tissue. CED involves one or more catheters stereotactically placed through cranial burr holes into the brain. Antineoplastics or other therapeutic agents are subsequently administered by microinfusion pump.

Position Statement

Investigational and Not Medically Necessary:

Convection-enhanced delivery of therapeutic agents into the brain is considered investigational and not medically necessary.