Health Problem: Keratoconus is the most common corneal degenerative disorder, with prevalence estimates varying from 760 to 3300 cases per 100,000 people. In keratoconus, collagen fibers within the cornea weaken and no longer maintain the normal round shape of the cornea. Consequently, the cornea bulges outward, steepens, and develops a progressive conical shape. This abnormal…
Evidence Analysis
It is a challenge for health plans and clinicians to distill and analyze volumes of clinical evidence to determine likely clinical, financial, and risk impacts. This is what we do.Accessed through the Hayes Knowledge Center, the Evidence Analysis Solution addresses the following fundamental questions to help our clients determine coverage positions:
- Does the technology improve health outcomes?
- Are there other benefits associated with the technology?
- What harms might be associated with the technology?
- Have patient selection criteria been established for the technology?
- For which patients might the technology provide a benefit?
- Health Technology Assessments
- Evidence Analysis Research Briefs
- Evolving Evidence Review
- Clinical Research Responses
Comparative Effectiveness Review of Percutaneous Left Appendage Closure to Reduce Stroke Risk in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation
Health Problem: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a supraventricular, accelerated heart rhythm (tachyarrhythmia) characterized by uncoordinated atrial activation that leads to inefficient, irregular atrial contraction. Oral anticoagulation (OAC) is standard care to reduce the risk of stroke in patients with AF and risk factors for stroke. The limitations of OAC therapy have spurred …
Single-Anastomosis Duodenal Switch for Weight Loss
Health Problem: More than one-third of the adults in the United States are obese. Obesity is associated with elevated morbidity and mortality and with increased risk for the following conditions: hypertension, dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus, coronary heart disease, stroke, gall bladder disease, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea and breathing problems, certain cancers, and me…
SpyGlass Direct Visualization System (Boston Scientific) for Diagnosis and Treatment of Biliopancreatic Disease
Health Problem: The bile duct normally conveys bile from the gallbladder to the small intestine to facilitate the digestion of fats. However, gallstones can form in the gallbladder and be pushed into the bile duct to block the flow of bile. Gallstones can also cause pancreatitis since the bile duct joins the pancreatic duct before emptying into the small intestine. Other disor…
Comparative Effectiveness Review of Laser and Light Therapies for Rosacea
Health Problem: Rosacea is a chronic cutaneous disorder primarily affecting the central face, including the cheeks, chin, nose, and central forehead; it is characterized by remissions and exacerbations. Patients with rosacea exhibit various combinations of cutaneous signs such as flushing, erythema, telangiectasia, edema, papules, pustules, ocular lesions, and rhinophyma.
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Medial Branch Nerve Block Injections for the Treatment of Chronic Nonmalignant Spinal Pain of Facet Joint Origin
Health Problem: Chronic pain is defined as persistent or episodic pain of a duration > 6 months of an intensity that adversely affects the function or well-being of an individual. Back and neck pain are very common conditions in the United States. Low back pain was the leading cause contributing to the most years lived with disability in 2010, both in the United States and …
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 Platelet-Rich Plasma for Tendinopathies or Ligament Injuries of the Knee
Health Problem: Injury to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) occurs frequently among high-intensity athletes and treatment often requires surgical intervention due to the limited intrinsic capacity of the ligament for spontaneous healing. ACL injuries occur most frequently in sports that involve sudden stops or changes in direction. Patellar tendinopathy (also known as jumpe…
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…