Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring

 
Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM or IOM) describes different procedures, where the integrity of nerves and neural paths or brain function is monitored during surgical interventions.

IOM is performed during interventions where motor or sensoric nerves are at risk such as neurosurgery, spinal cord surgery, scoliosis, vascular surgery, heart, thoracic surgery and general surgery, thyroid surgery. IOM helps the surgeon to identify nerve structures in order to operate in a safe and function preserving way.
 

Aim of intraoperative monitoring is to reduce the risk of any neurological damage

As intraoperative monitoring enables an early identification of injuries due to surgical manipulations or unfavorable patient positions, the surgeon can react adequately.

There are two methods of intraoperative monitoring:

1. Continuous Monitoring:

e. g. by optic and acoustic continuous EMG monitoring of motor nerves or by continuous monitoring of latency and amplitude of evoked potentials.

2. Localisation Techniques

e. g. electrical stimulation and identification of motor nerves, and recording of muscle answer potential (MAP) or direct cortical stimulation and identification motor and eloquent areas (motor or speech mapping) as well as identification of the central sulcus with phase reversal SEP.   

Following factors play a major role:

  1. communication with the operator
  2. correct interpretation of neurophysiological information
  3. correct equipement

inomed offers not only the appropriate products but also adequate trainings in courses and workshops.

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