Applications

Diagnostic apparatus that enables sleep study to be performed in the patient's home, not at a sleep disorders center.

CTAAB found no evidence substantiating claims that this technology provides information as useful as in the sleep disorders center.

PET is an imaging technique using special radioisotopes to image cellular activity.

CTAAB found no substantial need for PET locally. Nearest site in Buffalo appears to be adequate for Rochester region's needs.

Special software enables improved MRI imaging of the vasculature.

CTAAB recommended guidelines for sites in the head and neck, but did not recommend MRA for sites below the neck.

Diagnostic test that can be performed either by CT or DEXA to determine whether bone loss has occurred, and if so, how much has been lost.

No treatment exists to reverse peri- and post-menopausal bone loss. Therefore, the results of the test cannot change patient outcome. CTAAB found no need for this.

Device consists of treatment table, stereotactic mammography and needle "gun;" enables core biopsies to be taken from deep breast tissue instead of the convention method of wire-guided open surgical biopsy.

CTAAB found this technique to be as reliable as open surgical biopsy, but is less disfiguring, time consuming and costly. CTAAB recommended a limit of no more than two of these devices in the region, until more is known about how they will be used.