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: Tears and/or tendinopathy of the rotator cuff (RC) can occur due to degeneration, trauma, repetitive overhead motions, and/or excessive loading. Current treatment strategies generally do not restore the native functional and structural properties of the ligament or tendon due to the poor intrinsic healing response of those tissues.
Technology Des…
Health Problem: A patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a persistent, flap-like opening between the atrial septum primum and secundum. In 25% of adults, the foramen ovale remains open, or patent. The presence of a PFO has no therapeutic consequence in otherwise healthy adults; however, right-to-left shunting can generate thrombus, with the potential for embolism to the brain or corona…
Health Problem: More than 17 million surgeries were performed in hospitals or ambulatory surgical centers associated with hospitals in 2014 in the United States. Up to 80% of surgical patients have postoperative pain, or acute pain after surgery. Use of adjunct nonpharmacological analgesia, such as acupuncture, may reduce the need for pharmacological pain management and may, t…
Health Problem: Amputation presents a significant disability that can have profound physical, psychological, and vocational consequences in a person’s life. Approximately 50,000 people undergo an amputation of the upper or lower limb each year in the United States, with upper limb amputations accounting for approximately 25% of these amputations.
Technology Desc…
Health Problem: Joint contractures refer to a decreased range of motion (ROM) in diarthrodial (or movable) joints. Contractures may occur with joint disease, trauma, or healing, or secondarily to structural changes in muscle, tendons, ligaments, and/or skin that limit elasticity. Immobilization of a joint may create conditions that contribute to the development of contractures…
Health Problem: Joint contractures refer to a decreased range of motion (ROM) that impairs function. Contractures may occur with many different afflictions, including neurological conditions, joint trauma, or healing; contractures may also occur secondarily to structural changes in muscle, tendons, ligaments, and/or skin that limit elasticity. Immobilization of a joint may cre…
Health Problem: Primary hyperhidrosis is defined as sweat production beyond what is physiologically necessary for the maintenance of thermal homeostasis without any discernible cause. The most common sites for involvement are the axillae, palms, and soles of the feet. Hyperhidrosis may have marked impact on ability to perform activities of daily living as well as quality of li…
Health Problem: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders in the United States and Europe. The prevalence of GERD is estimated at 8.8% to 25.9% in Europe and 18.1% to 27.8% in North America. GERD is defined by the presence of chronic symptoms or mucosal damage caused by an abnormal reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus….
Health Problem: Bile is made by the body to aid in the digestion of fats. It is stored in the gallbladder, where it can crystallize to form gallstones. Although gallstones are often asymptomatic, they can cause acute cholecystitis with severe pain, inflammation, infection, and scarring of the gallbladder wall, particularly when they block the duct that leads from the gallbladd…
Health Problem: Chronic pain is defined as persistent or episodic pain of a duration > 6 months of an intensity that adversely affects the function or well-being of an individual. Back and neck pain are very common conditions in the United States. Low back pain was the leading cause contributing to the most years lived with disability in 2010, both in the United States and …