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.

Microcurrent Electrical Therapy for the Treatment of Postoperative Pain

Health Problem: Acute postoperative pain is common across a variety of surgical procedures, including both hard- and soft-tissue surgeries. Inadequately controlled pain negatively affects quality of life and the recovery of function and may result in an increase in morbidity, recovery time, opioid use, the risk of complications, and the risk of persistent postsurgical pain.

Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation for the Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

In patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the respiratory muscles are not able to maintain an open airway while relaxed during sleep. OSA is associated with a variety of health consequences and, in particular, confers a 4.2 times greater risk of mortality, even after controlling for leading risk factors, including age, sex, weight, and smoking status). A report was published recently tha…

Gastric Electrical Stimulation for Gastroparesis

Health Problem: Normal gastric emptying involves a coordinated set of muscular contractions that are controlled by enteric neurons, smooth muscle cells, and the autonomic nervous system. Delayed gastric emptying due to gastroparesis can cause nausea, vomiting, early satiety, distension/bloating, and epigastric pain. Inadequate control of these symptoms can result in dehydratio…

Microcurrent Electrical Therapy for the Treatment of Musculoskeletal Pain

Health Problem: Musculoskeletal pain is estimated to affect 13.5% to 47% of the population. Associated symptoms are disruptive; may include local or widespread pain that may worsen with movement; and cause stiffness, fatigue, and sleep disturbances.

Technology Description: Microcurrent electrical therapy (MET) is a form of electrical stimulation therapy…

Scalp Cooling Devices for the Prevention of Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia: A Review of Reviews

Health Problem: Chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA) is a common and well-known side effect of chemotherapy, affecting approximately 65% of patients who undergo chemotherapy for cancer. CIA is attributed to the cytotoxic effects of chemotherapy drugs on the matrix cells of the hair follicles during hair growth phases. CIA has been associated with reduced quality of life, depres…

Percutaneous Epidural Adhesiolysis for Chronic Low Back Pain

Health Problem: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a common health condition that can cause substantive disability. There are many causes of CLBP, including spinal stenosis, disc disorders, and disc degeneration. Patients who have enduring low back pain even after surgery (e.g., laminectomy) are said to have failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS). Percutaneous epidural adhesiolysis …

Comparative Effectiveness Review of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) and Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement (SAVR) for Aortic Stenosis in Lower Risk Patients

Health Problem: Aortic stenosis (AS) is the most common cause of aortic valve disease in older patients; approximately 7% of the population > 65 years of age is affected. The prevalence of AS is approximately 0.4% among adults aged ≥ 18 to 75 years in the United States. At younger ages, AS is most often related to bicuspid aortic valve but in older patients, AS is related t…