Purpose of Technology: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a percutaneous treatment for chronic low back pain (LBP) 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 in a …
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 High-Frequency Left Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Versus Other Neurostimulation Approaches to Treatment-Resistant Depression
Purpose of Technology: Repetitive high-frequency left transcranial magnetic stimulation (HFL-rTMS) is a noninvasive technique that may serve as an alternative intervention for treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Brief repetitive pulses of magnetic energy are applied to the scalp via a large electromagnetic coil, thereby mo…
Radial Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy for Chronic Plantar Fasciitis
Purpose of Technology: Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is a noninvasive treatment for chronic plantar fasciitis that involves delivery of shock waves to the painful region of the heel with the goal of reducing pain, increasing function, and promoting healing of the affected soft tissue. …
Percutaneous Radiofrequency Ablation for Cervical and Thoracic Spinal Indications
Purpose of Technology: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a percutaneous treatment that uses radiowave-induced heat to create a lesion in a spinal sensory nerve. Following a prognostic blockade to target the affected nerve(s), radiofrequency (RF) current is applied in a pulsed or continuous manner …
High-Frequency Left Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Treatment-Resistant Major Depressive Disorder
Purpose of Technology: Repetitive high-frequency left transcranial magnetic stimulation (HFL-rTMS) is a noninvasive technique that may serve as an alternative intervention for treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Brief repetitive pulses of magnetic energy are applied to the scalp via a large electromagnetic coil, thereby mo…
Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation for Breast Cancer Using Conformal and Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy
Purpose of Technology: Following breast-conserving surgery in patients with early-stage breast cancer, accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) is an alternative to standard whole-breast irradiation (WBI) performed to reduce the risk of tumor recurrence. APBI using 3-dimensional conformal ra…
Nitric Oxide Breath Analysis for the Diagnosis of Asthma
Purpose of Technology: The measurement of nitric oxide (NO) concentration in expired breath has been introduced as an adjunct to or replacement for the established clinical and laboratory assessments for the diagnosis of asthma. Measurement of fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) is a noninvasive diagnostic tech…
Focused Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy for Chronic Plantar Fasciitis
Purpose of Technology: Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is a noninvasive treatment for chronic plantar fasciitis that involves delivery of shock waves to the painful region of the heel with the goal of reducing pain, increasing function, and promoting healing of the affected soft tissue. Focused ESWT directs shock waves at a targeted area with high tissue penetration w…
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Purpose of Technology: Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) involves the intermittent inhalation of 100% gaseous oxygen in chambers pressurized between 1.5 and 3.0 times atmosphere absolute. HBOT may be used as a primary or adjunctive therapy for sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL), which i…
Nitric Oxide Breath Analysis for the Management of Asthma
Purpose of Technology: The measurement of nitric oxide (NO) concentration in expired breath has been introduced as an adjunct to or replacement for established clinical and laboratory assessments of asthma control to guide the management of asthma.