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.
Health Problem: Spinal discs and the cartilage that covers mobile joints can become damaged by chronic strain, overuse, trauma, and diseases such as osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) causing pain and disability.
Technology Description: Stem cells used for treatment of joint pain can be harvested from iliac crest bone marrow, adipose tiss…
Health Problem: Approximately 70% of people in developed countries experience lower back pain (LBP) during their lives, and it becomes chronic in an estimated 20% of individuals. An estimated 85% of chronic LBP is of ambiguous etiology, and therefore unamenable to correction of an underlying condition. Pharmacological and surgical management of chronic LBP may have unwanted si…
Health Problem: Substance addiction is characterized by compulsive drug seeking, along with tolerance, dependence, craving, and relapse. Addiction and abuse of drugs, alcohol, and nicotine cost more than $740 billion a year in the United States, rooted in lost productivity, elevated crime, and increased healthcare costs.
Technology Description: The tech…
Health Problem: Fewer than half of the 70 million patients who undergo surgery in the United States every year report adequate postoperative pain relief. Controlling postoperative pain increases patient mobility, permits earlier return to activities of daily living, and reduces the risk for postoperative complications. Increasing awareness of issues on the safety of opioids ha…
Health Problem: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is responsible for serious health effects, including myocardial infarction (MI) and death. Even in asymptomatic patients, CAD may be heralded by atherosclerosis, the thickening and hardening of arteries due to plaque buildup. Atherosclerosis results from the accumulation of fatty deposits and cell products, including calcium and ot…
Health Problem: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) occurs when a blood clot blocks blood circulation and pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs when a blood clot dislodges and travels into pulmonary circulation. PE causes serious morbidity and mortality, with a 1-month mortality rate of 12%.
Technology Description: Percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy
Health Problem: Dry eye disease (DED), a subset of ocular surface disorders, is a group of tear film disorders attributed to reduced tear production or excessive tear evaporation. It is associated with ocular discomfort and visual symptoms. DED may result in considerable disability and may lead to loss of vision in more severe cases; and may threaten the outcomes of refractive… Health Problem: Prostate cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men in the United States. Within 10 years of successful treatment for localized prostate cancer, serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels will rise to detectable levels in approximately 15% to 40% of men. Most often, a rising PSA is an indication of … Health Problem: Central sleep apnea (CSA) is a group of syndromes that are characterized by sleep-disordered breathing associated with diminished or absent respiratory effort. Conditions associated with CSA include: problems that affect the brainstem, including brain infection, stroke, or conditions of the cervical spine; severe obesity; certain medicines, such as narcotic pai… Health Problem: Prostate cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men in the United States. Within 10 years of successful treatment for localized prostate cancer, serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels will rise to detectable levels in approximately 15% to 40% of men. Most often, a rising PSA is an indication of …BostonSight Prosthetic Replacement of the Ocular Surface Ecosystem (PROSE) Treatment for Dry Eye Disease
Comparative Effectiveness Review of Choline PET or Choline PET-CT for Recurrent Prostate Cancer
Phrenic Nerve Stimulation (remedē System) for Central Sleep Apnea
Comparative Effectiveness Review of Fluciclovine PET-CT or Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA) PET-CT for Recurrent Prostate Cancer