What is Intraoperative Monitoring?
Intraoperative monitoring (IOM) is a technique used to monitor the function of the nervous system during surgery. IOM is used in a variety of surgical procedures, including brain, spine, and ear surgery.
What is the Use of Intraoperative Neuromonitoring?
The use of IOM in surgery is to help prevent nerve damage. Nerve damage can occur during surgery for a variety of reasons, including surgical trauma, positioning, and the use of electrocautery. IOM can help to identify nerve damage early, so that corrective action can be taken.
What is Audiology Intraoperative Monitoring?
Audiology intraoperative monitoring (AIM) is a type of IOM that is used to monitor the auditory system during surgery. AIM is used in a variety of ear surgeries, including acoustic neuroma surgery, vestibular schwannoma surgery, and cochlear implant surgery.
What is Intraoperative Monitoring of Sensory Evoked Potentials?
Sensory evoked potentials (SEPs) are electrical signals that are generated by the nervous system in response to a stimulus. SEPs can be used to monitor the function of the auditory, visual, and somatosensory systems.
Why Do We Measure Evoked Potential?
Evoked potentials are measured to assess the function of the nervous system. SEPs are typically measured during IOM to monitor the auditory system during surgery. If the SEPs change during surgery, it may be a sign that nerve damage is occurring.
Types of Intraoperative Monitoring
There are two main types of IOM:
- Electrical stimulation: Electrical stimulation is used to elicit SEPs. The electrical stimulation is typically delivered to the scalp, but it can also be delivered to the face or neck.
- Visual stimulation: Visual stimulation is used to elicit visual evoked potentials (VEPs). The visual stimulation is typically delivered in the form of a checkerboard pattern.
Benefits of Intraoperative Monitoring
The benefits of IOM include:
- Early identification of nerve damage
- Prevention of nerve damage
- Improved outcomes for patients
Risks of Intraoperative Monitoring
The risks of IOM are relatively low. The most common risk is a mild headache. Other risks include infection and bleeding.
Conclusion
Intraoperative monitoring is a valuable tool that can help to prevent nerve damage during surgery. AIM is a type of IOM that is used to monitor the auditory system during surgery. SEPs are typically measured during AIM to assess the function of the auditory system.