IOM – Intraoperative neuromonitoring
Intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM)
Operations on the brain, spinal cord, and in-spine surgery are performed with the highest precision to avoid complications and sequelae as much as possible. One way to protect particularly important brain regions, the spinal cord, and individual nerves is through intraoperative electrophysiological monitoring during surgery, known as intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM).
How does IONM work on the brain?
A wide range of monitoring procedures makes it possible to monitor the functioning of important structures in the anesthetized patient during surgery. During the neurosurgical procedure, individual brain and nerve functions are monitored electrophysiologically. Changes during the operation are recorded through highly sensitive measurements, providing the surgeon with important information.
The risk of deterioration of language or movement can be minimized with the help of this advanced technology. Hearing ability, facial muscle function, or cerebral blood flow during the operation can also be evaluated.
Protection against nerve lesions
Protecting nerves in the surgical area is important during numerous operations. For example, the vocal cord nerve should be protected during thyroid surgery. The surgeon can trigger targeted electrical stimulation through the use of special devices and electrodes, which helps to locate, recognize, and protect nerves during the course of the operation.
Depending on the surgical area or case, the examination can be performed throughout the entire duration of the operation.
Applications of Intraoperative Neuromonitoring
- Brain and central nervous system surgeries (such as tumor removal, epilepsy surgery, etc.)
- Spine surgeries
- Surgeries for thyroid disorders
- Surgeries in the pelvic region, such as colorectal surgery (such as removal of rectal cancer)
- Surgeries on the parotid gland
- Surgeries on the carotid artery