Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) is the inability of the eustachian tube (ET) to ventilate the middle ear, drain secretions, or protect the middle ear from sounds or pathogens in the nasopharynx. ETD is associated with otologic and rhinology symptoms, including tinnitus (ringing in the ears), aural fullness, an inability to equilibrate middle ear pressure, a sensation of being underwater, imp…
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 First-Generation Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation of the Knee
Purpose of Technology: Autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) or transplantation is a form of tissue engineering that creates a graft from a patient’s own cartilage cells to repair defects in articular cartilage. The procedure involves the collection of cartilage cells, which are grown in a laboratory to create new cartil…
Comparative Effectiveness Review of Second- and Third-Generation Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation of the Knee
Purpose of Technology: Autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) or transplantation is a form of tissue engineering that creates a graft from a patient’s own cartilage cells to repair defects in articular cartilage. The procedure involves the collection of cartilage cells, which are grown in a laboratory to create new cartil…
Acclarent Eustachian Tube Balloon Dilation for the Treatment of Eustachian Tube Dysfunction in Adults
Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) is the inability of the eustachian tube (ET) to ventilate the middle ear, drain secretions, or protect the middle ear from sounds or pathogens in the nasopharynx. ETD is associated with otologic and rhinology symptoms, including tinnitus (ringing in the ears), aural fullness, an inability to equilibrate midd…
Hydrogen Breath Tests for Diagnosis of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth in Functional Bowel Disorders
Purpose of Technology: Hydrogen breath testing (HBT) may be used to identify small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) in predisposed patients by assessing changes in hydrogen (H2) expiration following administration of glucose, lactulose, or other compounds.
Rationale: When SIBO is present, fermentation by bacteria in the small intestine produces a …
Laparoscopic Electromechanical Morcellation of Uterine Fibroids During Myomectomy or Hysterectomy
Purpose of Technology: Uterine fibroids, also known as myomas or leiomyomas, are benign tumors originating in the myometrium. Laparoscopic electromechanical morcellation of uterine fibroids involves the use of mechanically powered cutting devices to break up fibroid tissue for removal during minimally invasive myomectomy or …
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) for Alzheimer Disease
Purpose of Technology: Positron emission tomography (PET) is a 3-dimensional (3D) nuclear imaging technique that measures the level of physiologic and biochemical activity or other organic function in an organ or tissue by reflecting the distribution of a radiotracer that has been administered to the patient. PET has been proposed as a method for diagnosing and predicting deve…
Radiofrequency Ablation for Sacroiliac Joint Denervation for Chronic Low Back Pain
Purpose of Technology: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a percutaneous treatment for chronic low back pain (LBP), including pain originating in the sacroiliac joint (SIJ), using radiowave-induced heat to create a lesion in a spinal sensory nerve. Following a diagnostic blockade to target the affected nerve(s), radiofrequency (RF) current is applied for several minutes via a ne…
Comparative Effectiveness of Fiberoptic Phototherapy for Hyperbilirubinemia in Term Infants
Purpose of Technology:
Phototherapy is used to treat jaundice in newborns, and to prevent severe hyperbilirubinemia, and its complications. The lights in phototherapy units emit photons that alter the structure of the bilirubin molecule, which can then be excreted in bile or urine. Fiberoptic phototherapy (FPT) systems are light-emitting pads or blankets that are placed…
Endovenous Mechanochemical Ablation (MOCA) (ClariVein Infusion Catheter, Nonthermal Vein Ablation System; Vascular Insights LLC) for Treatment of Varicose Veins
Approximately one-fifth of adults have varicose veins of the lower extremities, and up to 60% may have chronic venous disease that predisposes them to varicosities. Recently developed techniques such as liquid or foam sclerotherapy, endovenous laser ablation (EVLA), and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) collapse and seal the vein, and are a…