Neuromonitoring Device: Advantages and Other Insights

The main purpose of Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM) process is to diminish neurological morbidity during critical surgeries. This monitoring process helps in identifying the slightest of changes in spinal cord, brain, and peripheral nerve function prior to irrevocable damage. Intraoperative monitoring is also effective in localizing anatomical structures such as sensorimotor cortex and peripheral nerves, which stand helpful for the surgeon during dissection.

Intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring technique directly aims at the reduction of the risk of neurological discrepancies post any surgery that involves the nervous system.

Evolution of IONM Technique

The tradition of using electrical streams to stimulate the nervous system is traced back to the late 1800s. The IONM technique that is used in present time, dates back to the 1970s. At that time, neurosurgeons started using somatosensory evoked potentials (SEP) to observe the main sensory pathways. The technique was further developed in the 1980s and used widely in facial and spinal surgery.

Today, IONM has evolved to a point that it has become essential for certain complex spinal and brain surgeries. This technique has been extensively studied and researched in the spinal surgery sphere. It is now a proven fact that the IONM provides essential benefits such as reduced risk of paralysis and death of the patient during the surgery.

Orthopedic, cardiac, neurosurgical, otolaryngological, urologic, and plastic (peripheral nerve) are the surgical specialty areas where IONM is used widely.

Rising Popularity of IONM in the Present Healthcare

There are many reasons the intraoperative neuromonitoring process has become popular for surgical purposes. IONM helps in detecting internal injuries before they become severe and become lethal post the surgery.  It also helps in skipping the risk of debilitating deficits of patients such as paralysis, hearing loss, muscle weakness, and loss of other normal body functions. Because of these benefits, the demand of neuromonitoring devices has been increasing across the sophisticated healthcare facilities. According to a recently released report by Research Dive, the global neuromonitoring device market is expected to earn a significant amount of revenue in upcoming years.

How Does Intraoperative Neuromonitoring Work?

By using the intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring, permanent or long-term impairment can be prevented during a surgery. Electrodes are positioned on the arms, head, legs, or other muscle groups of the patient to monitor essential signs and neurological signals minutely.

These electrodes conduct electrophysiological tests on the patient’s neurological and cerebrovascular systems to ensure that vital nerve endings or arteries will not experience any damage during the surgery.

Main Advantages of IONM

There are many benefits of intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring process. They are mentioned below:

• IONM minimizes chance of permanent nerve damage
• Gives assurance of safety of the patient
• Reduces chances of paralysis or death
• Plummets severity and frequency of injury to vital structures
• Identifies changes in the functional status of nerve tissue
• Prevention of long-term and permanent wound
• Confirms that the essential nerve endings or arteries are not suffering from damaging effect

What the Future Holds

As IONM continues to be demand in the spinal and brain surgery, more research and development will be required for the indications and enhancements. Experts believe that in near future, IONM will benefit operations in on-site trauma and intensive care units. The recently introduced remote monitoring techniques are expected to assist patients to perform spinal assessment and pre-surgical care.

About the Author(s)

Princy A. J

Princy holds a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the prestigious Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. University at Chennai, India. After a successful academic record, she pursued her passion for writing. A thorough professional and enthusiastic writer, she enjoys writing on various categories and advancements in the global industries. She plays an instrumental role in writing about current updates, news, blogs, and trends.