Purpose of Technology: Antibiotic bone cement (ABC) is a type of curable polymethylmethacrylate preparation created by adding various antibiotic medications to plain, nonmedicated bone cement. Most commonly, ABC is used to treat infected total joint prostheses as part of a revision arthroplasty, but its use as antibiotic prophylaxis in primary joint arthroplasty is increasing….
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.
Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring for Risk Assessment and Stratification of Coronary Artery Disease in Asymptomatic Adults
Purpose of Technology: Coronary artery calcium (CAC) scoring uses computed tomography scanning to detect and assess the extent of atherosclerosis and quantifies the findings using a scoring system to assess and stratify risk of coronary artery disease in asymptomatic adults.
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Proton Beam Therapy for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Purpose of Technology: Proton beam therapy (PBT) is a type of external radiation treatment in which positively charged subatomic particles (protons) are precisely targeted to a specific tissue mass using a sophisticated stereotaxic planning and delivery system. In comparison with conventional photon or electron irradiation, proton beam radiation may deliver a higher dose to th…
Intravenous Immunoglobulin for the Treatment of Myasthenia Gravis
Purpose of Technology: Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) has been investigated as a treatment for a variety of neurological disorders, including myasthenia gravis (MG), an autoimmune disease. The goal of IVIG for neurological disorders is to eliminate or reduce neurologic symptoms and normalize o…
Comparative Effectiveness of Sugammadex Versus Neostigmine for Reversal of Neuromuscular Blockade Following Surgery in Adult Patients
Purpose of Technology: Sugammadex (SUG) is indicated for the reversal of neuromuscular blockade (NMB) induced by rocuronium bromide and vecuronium bromide during surgery. SUG selectively binds to neuromuscular blocking …
Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation for Breast Cancer Using Brachytherapy
Purpose of Technology: Brachytherapy involves temporary implantation of radioactive materials at the site of a tumor. For treatment of breast cancer, brachytherapy is generally performed after lumpectomy. The goal of this procedure, which may be performed as an adjunct to chemotherapy or hormonot…
High-Frequency Chest Wall Compression for Cystic Fibrosis
Purpose of Technology: High-frequency chest wall compression (HFCWC) is a mechanical, external thoracic oscillatory therapy for cystic fibrosis (CF) patients whose ability to clear pulmonary secretions is impaired. The purpose of HFCWC is to promote effective airway clearance and pulmonary f…
Negative Pressure Wound Therapy for Chronic Wounds: Home Use
Purpose of Technology: Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is a treatment for acute, subacute, and chronic wounds that involves the application of subatmospheric pressure to the open wound, with the goal of creating a controlled, closed wound amenable to surgical closure, grafting, or healing by secondary intention. NPWT is intended as an adjunct treatment for wounds that a…
Brachytherapy as an Adjunct to Other Types of Radiation Therapy for Breast Cancer
Purpose of Technology: Brachytherapy involves temporary implantation of radioactive materials at the site of a tumor. For treatment of breast cancer, brachytherapy is generally performed after breast-conserving surgery such as lumpectomy, either in the form of accelerated partial breast irradiati…
Comparative Effectiveness of Percutaneous Vertebroplasty Versus Sham, Conservative Treatment, or Kyphoplasty for Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures
Purpose of Technology: Percutaneous vertebroplasty (VP) for the treatment of osteoporotic fractures is the injection of bone cement into the affected vertebrae with the intent of restoring structural integrity and preventing further bone collapse. Clinical goals include reduction of pain, and imp…