Full reports
HTA of MDs
Health Technology Assessment of Medical Devices
HTA is multi-disciplinary field of policy analysis that examines the medical, economic, social and ethical implications of the incremental value, diffusion and use of a health technology in health care.
The term Health Technology refers to application of organised knowledge and skills in the form of devices, medicines, vaccines, procedures and systems developed to solve a health problem and improve quality of life.
Library of Assessments on MDs (1999-2019)
66 Entries into category "full-reports"
Show allINTRODUCTION Procurement of medical devices (MDs) on a national level, is a quite challenging task since it -at the same- time aims in guaranteeing high quality of products and assuring patient safety, with the lowest possible cost for the health care system. The vast variety of MDs, the accelerated pace of appearance of new technologies, the shorter life cycle, […]
Fully bioresorbable stents or scaffolds (BRS) represent the latest generation of devices for myocardial revascularisation strategies. They comprise a degradable material, most commonly a polymer, such as poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) or a magnesium alloy, and are either drug coated or drug free. They are mainly built to overcome the risk of late complications, such as scaffold thrombosis or restenosis, which […]
Cervical degenerative disc disease occurs in the cervical spine (the part of the spine in the neck) when the discs between the vertebrae (the bones of the spine) start to deteriorate. It causes painful and disabling symptoms that impact people’s quality of life and ability to function. When treatments such as medication and physical therapy are insufficient, surgery […]
People who cannot empty their bladder on their own may develop chronic urinary retention. If not managed, this condition can lead to serious health problems. Urine that remains in the bladder for too long increases the risk of developing urinary tract infection, bladder damage, and kidney disease. To prevent such problems, children and adults with chronic urinary retention learn […]
People suffering from certain types of heart failure, or an abnormal heart rate or rhythm, may have one ofseveral electronic devices implanted (e.g., a defibrillator or a pacemaker). However, patients require routine follow up in-clinic for clinical assessment and to verify that the device is functioning properly, which can be a burden for those who have difficulty traveling […]
Cardiovascular disease is a major public health issue accounting for almost 17 million deaths per year globally. According to estimates, 40-50% of them are sudden cardiac deaths. Approximately 6 million sudden cardiac deaths are caused by ventricular tachyarrhythmias. Several underlying acquired or congenital cardiac conditions are associated with an increased risk of ven-tricular arrhythmias. The implantable […]
The aim of this article is to review the role of Health Technology Assessment (HTA) organisations in appraising and recommending innovative cardiovascular technologies. We consider how bias impairs the quality of evidence from clinical trials involving cardiovascular healthcare technologies. Finally, we provide recommendations to HTA organisations to take account of bias when making guideline recommendations. Clinical research studies of medical devices, diagnostics and interventions in […]
Essential tremor is the most common movement disorder and most often affects the dominant hand and arm. As the tremor gets worse, it can negatively impact quality of life. Medication is the first treatment, but it does not work for many people. The next treatment option is neurosurgery (brain surgery). Presently in Ontario, the neurosurgery options […]
Urinary incontinence is the accidental leakage of urine. Assessing and managing incontinence is an important part of health care for people living in a long-term care home or geriatric inpatient setting. The effectiveness and cost of using an electronic monitoring system to assess urinary incontinence is reviewed and the impact this may have on the management […]
Sensorineural hearing loss is a condition in which the cochlea (the hearing organ in the ear) or the nerve pathways for hearing are damaged. A cochlear implant is a device that acts in place of the damaged inner ear to help communicate sound to the brain. At present, the Ontario government funds one cochlear implant for people who have hearing […]