Purpose of Technology

Robotically assisted stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is a radiotherapy that is delivered using bony landmarks or a custom-designed mask containing optical markers to provide reference points for precise three-dimensional localization of the target area. With the aid of a computerized robotic system for one or more steps in the procedure, this approach enables precise targeting of radiation therapy, which minimizes the radiation dose to critical, healthy tissues near the target. Robotically assisted SRS has been introduced for a variety of indications such as malignant and benign tumors, vascular malformations, and trigeminal neuralgia.

Questions addressed in this report include:

• Is robotically assisted SRS safe and effective?
• How does the robotically assisted technique compare with other techniques, including frame-based methods of radiation therapy?
• Do different robotic systems for radiotherapy differ in efficacy or safety?
• Have definitive patient selection criteria been established for the use of robotically assisted SRS for patients with intracranial pathology?

These questions provide a framework for review and synthesis of the best available evidence, which is presented in this report, along with the Hayes Ratings for the technology. This report also provides background information about the condition being treated, a description of the technology, and the context for development of the technology. Other key elements addressed in the report include the regulatory status; applicable Medicare and commercial payer coverage policies; relevant ICD-9 and ICD-10 diagnosis codes; cost and cost effectiveness; credentialing; hospital length of stay; need for large case management; and ongoing and future clinical trials of the technology.

Posted in Directory Reports
This entry was posted on Thursday, July 7th, 2011 at 8:00 am.