Authors' objectives:

The objective of this report is to compare the use of the Matrix Detachable Coil with the Guglielmi Detachable Coil (GDC), which up to now has been the standard treatment used in the MUHC, in regard to its long-term efficacy and costs.

Authors' recommendations: In conclusion, the TAU considers that although unpublished reports are promising, up to this time, additional health benefits with the Matrix coils have not been demonstrated. The TAU has previously considered such issues and has come to the conclusion that leadership in an academic hospital is not best demonstrated by adopting the use of leading edge technologies before the benefits have been clearly established. Leadership is better demonstrated by refusing to adopt such technologies as the accepted standard of care and by encouraging research to clarify the issue. Consequently, despite the relatively low budget impact, the TAU does not recommend the purchase of the Matrix coils for routine patient care at this time. In addition, the TAU strongly encourages further research with this technology and notes that due to the low budget impact of the Matrix coil and its presumed safety, the burden of proof required to demonstrate its clinical superiority need not be extensive. Finally, as with all health technology assessments (HTAs), this position will need to be re-evaluated as more evidence becomes available.

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: http://www.mcgill.ca/tau/publications/2004

Year Published: 2004

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Canada

Organisation Name: Technology Assessment Unit of the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC)

Contact Address: Technology Assessment Unit of the MUHC, 536-5100 Boul. Maisonneuve O, Montreal, H4A 3T2

Contact Name: eva.suarthana@mcgill.ca

Contact Email: nisha.almeida@muhc.mcgill.ca

Copyright: Technology Assessment Unit of the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC)