Health Technology Update-Issue 6
Scanning the Horizon
Informing Decision Makers About Emerging Medical Technologies
Gananoque Lake, Ontario.
Photo courtesy of Ontario Tourism.
The X-STOP® IPD® spacer fits between two bones in the lower spine, called spinous processes, to limit spinal movement or extension that causes painful pinching of spinal nerves.
Image courtesy of Kyphon Inc.
The X-STOP® Interspinous Process Decompression (IPD®) System is a titanium alloy metal spacer that is surgically implanted between the vertebrae to alleviate symptoms of lumbar spinal stenosis.
Kerraboot®: A Potential Step Forward for
Diabetic Foot Ulcers and Other Chronic Wounds
The Kerraboot® is available in two sizes, with either a clear or opaque film.
Photo courtesy of Ark Therapeutics.
A boot-like dressing with a simple pull-on design is used to treat chronic wounds on the lower legs and feet.
Valves May Allow Patients with Severe
Emphysema to Breathe Easier
The umbrella-shaped Spiration IBV® Valve.
Photo courtesy of Spiration, Inc.
Clinical trials of patients with emphysema are investigating the effectiveness of small valves, inserted into the large airways of the lung, to improve breathing.
Bronchial Thermoplasty: A Hot Approach to Asthma Treatment?
Bronchial thermoplasty is performed with the Alair® System, which includes a single-use catheter
device and a controller to deliver radiofrequency energy.
Image courtesy of Asthmatx, Inc.
An investigational procedure, termed bronchial thermoplasty, may help adults with severe asthma whose symptoms are not well controlled with conventional drug therapy.
Magnetic Resonance (MR) Colonography:
Another “Virtual” Tool for the Detection of Colorectal Cancer
During a traditional colonoscopy, a colonoscope
is inserted into the colon through the rectum.
Image used with permission from the National Cancer Institute. Copyright 2006, Terese Winslow.
Magnetic resonance colonography, also called MR colonoscopy, is an emerging technique for detecting colorectal cancer.
Thyroid Nodules Treated With High-intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU)
The Thyros Visualization and Treatment Unit (VTU)® is positioned on its robotic arm to deliver high-intensity
ultrasound energy.
Illustration courtesy of Theraclion.
A device that delivers high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is now being investigated for the treatment of non-cancerous growths, or nodules, on the thyroid gland.
New and Emerging Health Technology Reports
Recent Reports from CADTH and Other HTA Agencies
Previous Issues of Health Technology Update
CADTH.