http://www.target.ecri.orgCopyright 2009 ECRINew and Updated TARGET Reportsen-us1/6/2009 3:29:15 PM1/6/2009 3:29:15 PM5htais@ecri.orghttp://www.target.ecri.org/summary/detail.aspx?doc_id=9657&e=7 Balloon dilation is a minimally invasive surgical technique used during sinus surgery to relieve blocked sinuses and restore normal mucus flow; it may also be promoted as an alternative to traditional functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) for some patients. Surgeons performing FESS use standard cutting tools (e.g., microdebriders, forceps, curettes) to dissect and remove tissue and bone. Purported benefits of using balloon catheters instead of cutting tools to restructure and widen the sinuses are less bleeding, less postoperative pain, and a shorter recovery period.12/19/2008http://www.target.ecri.org/summary/detail.aspx?doc_id=10432&e=7 Capsule endoscopy (CE) is a diagnostic procedure during which the patient swallows a miniature video capsule that allows visualization of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. One type of CE images the esophagus, with the intended purpose of enabling physicians to evaluate asymptomatic and symptomatic patients at high risk for esophageal diseases.12/15/2008http://www.target.ecri.org/summary/detail.aspx?doc_id=74&e=7 Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) via an implanted device is an adjunctive therapy for treatment-resistant depression (TRD). The VNS Therapy system (Cyberonics Inc, Houston, TX, USA) consists of an implantable pulse generator, a lead, and an external programming system used to change stimulation settings.12/12/2008http://www.target.ecri.org/summary/detail.aspx?doc_id=8765&e=7 Total ankle replacement (TAR) is the replacement of an injured ankle joint with an artificial joint. TAR (also known as ankle arthroplasty) has been used as an alternative to ankle fusion (also known as surgical arthrodesis) in patients with debilitating end-stage arthritis, loss of ankle function, and pain that is refractory to more conservative treatment.12/3/2008http://www.target.ecri.org/summary/detail.aspx?doc_id=10429&e=7 The Impella 2.5 Percutaneous Cardiac Support (PCS) System is a miniature intracardiac axial flow pump that can provide partial circulatory support for short periods of time (up to 6 hours in the United States and up to 5 days in Europe).11/21/2008