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.

Stellate Ganglion Block for Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Health Problem: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that develops after an individual experiences or witnesses actual or threatened death or serious injury to him/herself or someone else, and reacts to the event with a feeling of fear, helplessness, and/or horror. PTSD is a disruptive disorder that is associated with decreased job performance, increased…

Comparative Effectiveness Review of Antimicrobial Versus Conventional Sutures

Health Problem: Surgical site infections (SSIs) contribute significant morbidity, mortality, and increased costs despite institutions often employing multiple interventions designed to reduce or eliminate SSI incidence.

Technology Description: Triclosan-coated sutures were developed to prevent microbial adherence and colonization and have the same stren…

Impact of Preoperative Supervised Weight Loss Programs on Bariatric Surgery Outcomes

Health Problem: Patients eligible for bariatric surgery have excessive abdominal adipose tissue and enlarged and fatty livers. These conditions may complicate the technical performance of bariatric surgery and be associated with perioperative morbidity.

Technology Description: In this technology assessment, preoperative supervised weight loss programs a…

Comparative Effectiveness Review of Minimally Invasive Total Hip Arthroplasty

Health Problem: Damage to the hip structures may lead to hip pain and impaired hip function that may limit the ability to perform everyday activities. The most common cause of chronic hip pain and disability is damage to the articular cartilage or bones of the hip joint. While conventional total hip arthroplasty (THA) is usually successful in relieving hip pain and disability,…

Radiofrequency Nerve Ablation for Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis

Health Problem: Plantar fasciitis (PF) is inflammation of the plantar fascia, the thick connective tissue that lies between the heel bone and the base of the toes. Repetitive microtrauma leads to degeneration and inflammation of the plantar fascia, which causes chronic heel pain. PF is the most common cause of heel pain and the reason for more than 1 million patient visits per…

Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation for the Treatment of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Health Problem: Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is characterized by ongoing evoked or spontaneous regional pain that is out of proportion to known trauma or other causative lesion and shows variable progression over time. Type I CRPS (formerly known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy [RSD]) typically occurs after an illness or injury that did not…