Purpose of Technology: Multimodal intraoperative monitoring (MIOM) is increasingly being used during spinal surgical procedures to identify neurological deficits, in “real-time,” in an effort to prevent permanent neurological damage. MIOM involves a variety of neurophysiological techniques, including: somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs), motor evoked potentials (MEPs), and …
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 of Fiberoptic Phototherapy for Hyperbilirubinemia in Preterm 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 pla…
Implantable Cardiac Loop Recorders for Diagnosis and Management of Syncope in Adults
Purpose of Technology:
Despite extensive clinical evaluation, the mechanism of syncope (transient loss of consciousness) remains unexplained in a large portion of patients. Implantable cardiac loop recorders (ILRs) are small, battery-operated, electrocardiogram (ECG) monitors, inserted during a minor surgical procedure that evaluates patients with recurrent syncope o…
Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation for Sickle Cell Disease in Children
Purpose of Technology
Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for sickle cell disease (SCD) involves transplantation of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cells from a human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-matched donor. SCD is a genetic disorder characterized by the presence of abnormal hemoglobin known as hemoglobin S. Patients with SCD have abnormally shaped …
Pelvic Floor Electrical Stimulation for the Treatment of Urinary Incontinence
Purpose of Technology
Pelvic floor electrical stimulation (PFES) refers to the use of nonimplanted electrodes, usually in the vagina or anus, to deliver variable rates of electrical current to the pelvic floor musculature. The mechanisms of action vary …
Multimodal Intraoperative Monitoring (MIOM) During Surgery for Scoliosis and Spinal Deformities
Purpose of Technology
Multimodality intraoperative monitoring (MIOM) is increasingly being used during surgical procedures to identify neurological deficits, in “real-time,” in an effort to prevent permanent neurological damage. MIOM involves a variety …
In-Hospital Patient Bathing with 2% Chlorhexidine Gluconate Cloths (Sage Products Inc.) for Prevention of Hospital-Acquired Infections
Purpose of Technology
The purpose of bathing hospitalized patients with cloths impregnated with the antiseptic 2% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) is, as part of a comprehensive infection control program, to decrease the number of microorganisms on the skin and to reduce the incidence of potentially preventable hospital-acquired infections (HAIs). While protocols vary,…
Magnetic Resonance Elastography for Detecting and Staging Liver Fibrosis
Purpose of Technology
Magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) involves the 3-dimensional analysis of wave propagation and tissue deformation in patients suspected of or known to have chronic liver disease. MRE is based on the principle that fibrosis changes the elasticity and viscosity of tissue. By assessing the propagation of acoustic waves through liver tissue, the ext…
Low-Level Laser Therapy for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Purpose of Technology
Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is a noninvasive therapy used to treat a variety of disorders affecting joints and nerves, including carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). LLLT for CTS involves applying a low-intensity infrared or visible red laser to the wrist either over the median nerve or at various acupuncture points. The goal of this therapy is to r…
Percutaneous Pulmonary Valve Implantation for Right Ventricular Outflow Tract Defects
Purpose of Technology
Percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation (PPVI), also referred to as transcatheter or catheter-based pulmonary valve implantation or replacement, is a minimally invasive heart surgery in patients with right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) defects. The procedure involves the pe…