Spinal surgery is a delicate procedure that requires the utmost accuracy and precision. As such, surgeons need the best ways to monitor the neural response of patients during such a fragile time. Neuromonitoring is one of these techniques and shows how far the field has come since 1973’s “Wake Up Test” developed by Vauzelle and Stagnara, according to Spine Universe. Read on to learn what it is and why bone graft companies supply related devices.
Neuromonitoring, also known as intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring (IONM), involves real-time data collection of data from selected nerve and muscle locations during surgical procedures. This matters because it allows the doctor to monitor the patient’s progress. If any issues arise during related surgery, the medical team can pinpoint the issue quickly. Bone grafting companies supply devices for physicians to use in surgeries related to trauma repair, deformity correction, and more.
Anything can happen during surgery, especially while under anesthesia. If something goes wrong with neurological function, the only way to know is to keep an eye on nerve responses. If the doctor can see an issue during surgery, they can make needed corrections right then instead of unknowingly continuing and causing harm to the patient. This expert monitoring means less health risk for the patient and less malpractice risk for the doctor.
Bone graft companies can provide several types of devices to medical facilities. These include transcranial motor evoked potentials (MEPs), Spontaneous and triggered electromyography (EMG), nerve conduction studies (NCS), and the most common one, somatosensory-evoked potentials (SSEP). In some cases, a combination of devices or techniques is required to get a thorough understanding of the surgical situation.
Since its origins in the 1970s, neuromonitoring has come a long way and comes in handy for complex surgeries on one of the most fragile parts of the body. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are 38,600 surgeons working in the United States today. As medical technology continues to improve, expect to see more bone graft companies and others supply advanced devices for these surgeries!
Overall, neuromonitoring is helping medical care evolve further. With an increasing number of surgeons in the United States, having neuromonitoring at their disposal will help them handle more complex cases. Contact Surgentec for more information about our advanced medical devices.