Health Technology Update-Issue 7
Scanning the Horizon
Aerial view of Vancouver,
British Columbia.
Photo courtesy of
Tourism Vancouver.
Informing Decision Makers About Emerging Medical Technologies
Interest in positron emission tomography (PET) remains high across Canada. In this issue of the Health Technology Update, we present an article about a new diagnostic tool that combines the molecular imaging of PET with mammography.
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Mammography: A New Diagnostic Tool
The Naviscan PEM Flex™ Solo II images the breast at the molecular level.
Photo courtesy of Naviscan.
Positron emission tomography (PET) mammography incorporates PET technology into a mammography unit that can detect lesions as small as 2 mm; this is two to three times smaller than lesions that can be detected by whole-body PET.[1]
OrthoGlide™ May Offer a Smooth Ride for Knees
OrthoGlide™ Medial Knee Implant.
Image courtesy of Advanced Bio-Surfaces, Inc.
OrthoGlide is a new implant that replaces worn cartilage inside the knee, offering patients younger than 55 years a less invasive alternative to total knee replacement.
The Plicator™: A Non-Surgical Treatment for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
The Plicator is positioned at the junction of the stomach and esophagus.
Photo courtesy of NDO Surgical Inc.
The Plicator procedure is an endoscopic treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) ? a chronic condition that occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter relaxes, allowing the contents of the stomach to flow back into the esophagus.
RESPeRATE®: Lowering Blood Pressure By Synchronizing Breathing With Melody
The portable computerized electronic device guides users through therapeutic breathing sessions.
Photo courtesy of InterCure Ltd.
RESPeRATE is a portable biofeedback device that guides users through specialized breathing exercises designed to slow breathing, which, in turn, lowers blood pressure.
Implantable Spinal Cord Stimulators for Refractory Angina Pain
The spinal cord stimulator consists of an epidural lead, an extension wire, and a pulse generator.
Reprinted with permission from Yang et al.[7]
During spinal cord stimulation (SCS), also called dorsal column stimulation or neurostimulation, electrical impulses stimulate nerve fibres in the spinal cord, thereby inhibiting pain signals to the brain.
Keeping a Cool Head May Prevent Brain Injuries in Newborns
Olympic Cool-Cap® System.
Photo courtesy of Natus Medical Incorporated.
A new head-cooling device aims to prevent or reduce the severity of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) ? a potentially fatal brain injury in the newborn caused by inadequate blood flow or by oxygen deprivation during labour or delivery.
New and Emerging Health Technology Reports
Recent Reports from CADTH and Other HTA Agencies