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.

Comparative Effectiveness Review of Percutaneous Mitral Valve Repair

Health Problem: The mitral valve (MV) in the heart normally prevents blood from flowing backward from the left ventricle into the left atrium during ventricular contraction, but this valve can fail due to wear or direct damage or due to changes in the shape of the heart. The resulting backward flow or regurgitation forces the ventricle to pump harder to maintain adequat…

Intragastric Balloons for Treatment of Obesity

Health Problem: Obesity is a multifaceted condition, involving a combination of factors such as behavior, genetics, medication use, and dietary patterns, as well as community environment, education, and food marketing. Obesity is associated with poorer mental health outcomes, can significantly impact quality of life, and can foster conditions like di…

Percutaneous Laser Disc Decompression for Lumbar Disc Herniation

Health Problem: Herniated discs, also referred to as slipped, ruptured, or bulging discs, are injuries of the intervertebral structures that provide shock absorption in the spine. Disc herniations occurring in the lumbar spinal region may lead to pain, numbness, and/or weakness in the lower back and legs. For most patients, pain is temporary and responsive to conservative trea…

Laser Therapy Using MonaLisa Touch (Cynosure Inc.) for Vulvovaginal Atrophy

Health Problem: Vulvovaginal atrophy, also known as atrophic vaginitis or genitourinary syndrome of menopause, is a collection of signs and symptoms that are caused by changes to the urogenital tissues due to a decrease in estrogen and other sex steroids. Effects of vulvovaginal atrophy include sexual and urinary tract dysfunction, such as vaginal dryness, dyspareunia, and uri…

Superficial Radiation Therapy for Treatment of Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer

Health Problem: Nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) encompasses basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). NMSCs are the most prevalent malignancies in the white population. The incidence is rising in large part due to an aging population. Related mortality is low but considerable morbidity can result. The most common anatomical sites are those with the most sun …

Comparative Effectiveness Review of Biologic Mesh for Hernia Repair: A Review of Reviews

Health Problem: A hernia is a bulge or protrusion of an organ, intestine, or fatty tissue through a muscle or connective tissue. Hernias can occur in many places, including the abdomen (ventral hernia), within the abdomen (hiatal hernia), inner groin (inguinal hernia), outer groin (femoral hernia), umbilical area, or at a site of an incision or scar. The pathophysiological mec…

Continuous Passive Motion for Knee Indications: A Review of Reviews

Health Problem: Joint contracture refers to a decreased range of motion (ROM) in joints. Contractures may occur with joint disease, trauma, healing, or may be secondary to elasticity-limiting structural changes in muscles, tendons, ligaments, and/or skin. For knees, surgical repair of the knee ligaments, particularly the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), and total knee arthrop…

Intacs for the Treatment of Keratoconus

Health Problem: Keratoconus is the most common corneal degenerative disorder. In keratoconus, collagen fibers within the cornea weaken and no longer maintain the normal round shape of the cornea. Consequently, the cornea bulges outward, steepens, and develops a progressive conical shape. This abnormal shape prevents light entering the eye from focusing directly on the retina, …