Health Technology Assessments

Health Technology Assessments (HTAs) are a comprehensive systematic review and critical analysis of available evidence for A SINGLE medical technology for which there are several published clinical trials and a substantial body of evidence. This report details an entire technology class for which there are one or more indications or patient populations in use.

Our analysts evaluate clinical trial data, along with information regarding safety issues, coverage policies from the private and public sectors, regulatory approvals, consensus statements, and an overall projection of the potential clinical efficacy and economic impact of the technology. Reports are reviewed annually up to 5 years post publication to determine if there is new literature or evidence that would impact a change in rating and warrant an updated report.

Endolumenal Functional Lumen Imaging Probe (EndoFLIP; Medtronic Inc.) for Evaluation of Esophageal and Gastric Disorders

Health Problem: The esophageal and gastric disorders most frequently evaluated with the Endolumenal Functional Lumen Imaging Probe (EndoFLIP) are achalasia, eosinophilic esophagitis (EE), and gastroparesis, but these disorders are relatively rare, with prevalence ranging from approximately 11 to 52 cases per 100,000 persons in the general population. Disorders of esophage…

Platelet-Rich Plasma for Hip Osteoarthritis

Health Problem: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a painful condition that occurs when the cartilage between the bones degenerates, no longer providing a smooth, gliding surface for motion or adequate cushioning. Damaged articular cartilage does not tend to heal and may progressively worsen and cause focal lesions and eventually OA. Hip OA is common. The estimated lifetime risk for …

Comparative Effectiveness Review of Radioactive Yttrium-90 Microspheres for Treatment of Primary Unresectable Liver Cancer

Health Problem: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common liver malignancy in the United States, accounting for approximately 90% of primary liver cancers. The definitive therapies for HCC are surgical resection, tumor ablation, and liver transplantation; however, most patients are not eligible for these therapies due to the overall burden or severity of their dis…

Comparative Effectiveness Review of Mini Gastric Bypass–One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass for the Treatment of Obesity: A Review of Reviews

Health Problem: Obesity is a common condition in the United States, where approximately 37.7% of adults aged 20 years and older are considered obese. Data from 2013 to 2014 show a rate of obesity of 17.2% among younger individuals aged 2 to 19 years. Morbid obesity is associated with substantively elevated morbidity and mortality due to comorbid conditions, including type…

Comparative Effectiveness Review of Laser Therapy for Psoriasis

Health Problem: Psoriasis is an immune-mediated disease of the skin that affects 7.5 million people in the United States and is characterized by the appearance of red, thickened, scaly patches on the skin.

Technology Description: Laser therapy typically involves passing a focused laser beam back and forth over the entire area of a psoriasis lesion. In s…