Health Technology Update: Issue 4, September 2006
Scanning the Horizon
Alberta skies.
Photo composition courtesy of the Alberta Government and Paul Ting
Informing Decision Makers About Emerging Medical Technologies
In July 2006, we went “down under” to Adelaide, Australia, to attend the annual meeting of Health Technology Assessment International (HTAi). Along with several conference sessions, CADTH also presented a poster describing some of the lessons learned during this newsletter’s first year of publication. The conference was a terrific venue in which to share our experiences with colleagues from around the world who also work in horizon scanning programs. We were pleased to receive one of the eight awards given out for poster design and content.
Optical Imaging May Improve Breast Cancer Detection
A scan with the SoftScan® optical breast imaging system takes about 15 minutes.
Photo courtesy of ART Advanced Research Technologies Inc.
SoftScan® is an optical imaging device designed to improve the detection and diagnosis of breast cancer by providing information additional to x-ray mammography.
Enzyme Technology Reduces Risk of Transmitting Prions Through Contaminated Surgical Instruments
Surgical instrument.
Photo courtesy of Jupiterimages
In Europe, a commercial enzyme product is now available to destroy prions that may contaminate surgical instruments. Prions are tiny “proteinaceous infectious particles” that have been linked to Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, or “mad cow disease,” and its human form, variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (vCJD).[1]
Putting the Squeeze on Heart Disease
Patients receive EECP therapy during 35 one-hour sessions.
Photo courtesy of Vasomedical Inc.
Enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) is an outpatient treatment for individuals with refractory angina or heart failure who continue to experience severe activity restrictions despite optimal medical therapy. The non-invasive procedure does not replace medication, balloon angioplasty, or bypass surgery, but it is an additional treatment when no further options remain.
Surgical Adhesion Prevention
When sprayed on tissue through the applicator, SprayGel’s precursor liquids react rapidly to form an adhesion barrier.
Photo courtesy of Confluent Surgical
A hydrogel that is sprayed directly on tissues during pelvic surgery may prevent adhesions from forming between tissue surfaces. Adhesions are abnormal attachments between tissues or organs and are a major cause of chronic pelvic pain, infertility, and intestinal obstruction.[1,2]
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation May Aid in Stroke Rehabilitation
Magstim Rapid2 stimulator.
Photo courtesy of Magstim Ltd.
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation(rTMS) can alter brain activity and may help patients regain motor control after stroke.
High-intensity Focused Ultrasound for Prostate Cancer
Ablatherm HIFU treatment table and physician console allow precise targeting of prostate tissue.
Photo courtesy of Maple Leaf HIFU Co.
High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a minimally invasive technology that destroys cancerous prostate tissue.
New and Emerging Health Technology Reports
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Recent reports from CADTH and other HTA agencies.