Health Problem: Glaucoma is a group of ocular disorders that causes progressive damage to the optic nerve, which results in loss of vision. Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide, with as many as 6 million people blind in both eyes due to this condition. In the United States, more than 3 million people have glaucoma, among whom up to half are unaware that …
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.
Magnetic Sphincter Augmentation (LINX Reflux Management System) for Treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Health Problem: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a disorder in which the normal function of the lower esophageal sphincter at the junction of the distal esophagus and stomach fails, allowing gastric fluid to reflux into the esophagus. Estimates suggest the prevalence of GERD in the United States ranges from 18% to 28%, with up to 40% of patients with GERD exhibiting a…
Ganglion Impar Block or Radiofrequency Thermocoagulation for the Treatment of Chronic Coccydynia
Health Problem: Coccydynia is an uncommon painful condition in the tailbone area (coccyx). While a majority of cases resolve with or without conservative management within months, a small group of patients find coccydynia painful and debilitating.
Technology Description: Therapeutic intervention to the ganglion impar may be performed with a ganglion imp…
Comparative Effectiveness Review of Endoscopic Surgery for Carpal Tunnel Release: A Review of Reviews
Health Problem: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a compression neuropathy of the median nerve at the wrist. It is characterized by increased pressure within the carpal tunnel and decreased function of the nerve. The estimated prevalence of CTS is 3.1% to 7.8% among adult workers, with higher prevalence among female and older-age workers.
Technology Description: <...
Comparative Effectiveness Review of Patellofemoral Arthroplasty for Isolated Osteoarthritis of the Knee
Health Problem: Osteoarthritis (OA) refers to the destruction of cartilage, the protective covering overlying bones at joints such as the knee or hip. Isolated patellofemoral OA (PFOA) involves only the junction between the kneecap (patella) and the distal thighbone (femur). PFOA is caused by trauma, malalignment of the joint, age-related degeneration, congenital trochlear dys…
Magnetically Controlled Growing Rods for Treatment of Early-Onset Scoliosis
Health Problem: Early-onset scoliosis (EOS) affects skeletally immature patients younger than 10 years of age. Patients with EOS are still undergoing development, which can place them at risk for progression of the deformity. If EOS progresses to a severe state, the spine can crowd the space within the chest cavity, and can cause thoracic insufficiency syndrome (TIS), where th…
Pneumatic Compression for Prevention of Deep Vein Thrombosis Following Knee Arthroplasty
Health Problem: A venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a blood clot resulting from slowed circulation, which includes both deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). A DVT forms in a deep vein, usually the leg or pelvis, increasing the risk of morbidity and mortality after orthopedic surgery. Following total knee arthroplasty (TKA), 40% to 84% of patients develop a DVT…
Electronic Monitoring Versus Direct Observation of Hand Hygiene Compliance in Healthcare Settings
Health Problem: Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are infections that patients acquire in a healthcare setting and are largely preventable, chiefly through adequate hand hygiene (HH). Compliance with HH guidelines can remain lax. Hospitals often assess HH compliance via direct observation (DO) by trained observers. DO has limitations in that it is costly and time consumi…
Percutaneous Sacroplasty for Treatment of Sacral Insufficiency Fractures
Health Problem: Sacral insufficiency fractures (SIFs) are fragility fractures of the sacrum that destabilize the pelvis and cause debilitating low back pain. The overall incidence of SIF is difficult to determine; however, one estimate suggests that 19% of patients aged > 70 years who underwent bone scan had an SIF.
Technology Description: …
Inhaled Nitric Oxide for the Treatment of Respiratory Failure in Preterm Newborns
Health Problem: Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is one of the most common causes of preterm infant respiratory failure and mortality, with RDS occurring in 20,000 to 30,000 newborn infants annually in the United States. RDS results from developmental immaturity of the lungs, which leads to insufficient surfactant production and function. …