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IONM OVERVIEW
Definition of IONM
Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM) is a real-time
assessment of neurological function involving the brain, spinal
cord and related nerve structures. Complex, multimodality
IONM facilitates the surgical process and reduces surgical
risk by enabling a neurotechnologist (NT) to alert the surgeon
if and when spinal cord or neural structure compromise appears
imminent.
While ORIMtec specializes in using IONM
for spine surgeries, we also monitor other types of surgical
procedures such as craniotomies and carotid endarterectomies.
Role of the Neurotechnologist
IONM is provided in the operating room by specially trained
neurotechnologists (NTs), utilizing proprietary, turnkey computer
systems. These professionals have broad knowledge of electrophysiology,
anatomy and physiology as well as extensive training in operating
room and surgical protocols arming them with the tools to
practically apply IONM.
The NT is responsible for equipment setup,
patient preparation for monitoring, recording electrical responses
(the monitoring event), and the evaluation and documentation
of data generated during the surgical procedure. When changes
in the conduction of electrical impulses through the spinal
cord or related neural structures are identified, the NT informs
the surgeon and/or anesthesiologist so that appropriate intervention
can be achieved.
Benefits of IONM
IONM helps facilitate successful surgeries, allowing surgeons
and hospitals to provide patients with the best possible care.
Studies such as “Evaluation
of Intraoperative Somatosensory-Evoked Potential Monitoring
During 100 Cervical Operations” show that IONM has
contributed to the reduction of neurological injury from 4
percent – 6.9 percent to 0 percent – 0.7 percent
in scoliosis and cervical operations.
In another study conducted to assess the
value of monitoring during pedicle screw placement, “Usefulness
of Electrical Stimulation for Assessing Pedicle Screw Placements,”
over 15 percent of the subjects had a positive EMG response,
indicating a potential neurological deficit.
Surgical monitoring also benefits surgeons,
hospitals and insurance companies (payors) by:
- Allowing surgeons to safely operate more
aggressively.
- Enabling hospitals to reduce risks and
costs and better utilize operating room time.
- Lowering payor health-care costs by reducing
the number of second surgeries, therapies, scans, and prescriptions.
Most importantly, IONM helps patients experience
a better quality of life through enhanced surgical outcomes.
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