For complex spinal surgeries that could potentially damage the spinal cord, spinal nerve roots, or blood vessels to these areas, surgeons use intraoperative monitoring (IOM) devices. These tools make it possible to check the patient and make sure everything is alright and no neurologic damage has occurred.
Physicians aren’t the only ones who can monitor neurologic intraoperative devices with accuracy. Many nonphysician technicians and professionals have proven their skill, ability, and experience with neuromonitoring.
In fact, the whole field of neuromonitoring was pioneered by nonphysician clinical professionals. Not just anyone can do the job. They must have proof of training or certification as required by the American Board of Neurophysiologic Monitoring. And recertification is required every 10 years.
Right now, efforts are being made to develop what’s called a standard of care (SOC). Such guidelines would ensure that all patients undergoing complex spinal surgeries would be monitored and that the monitoring would be done in the best way possible for each patient.
One of the problems with defining a standard of care is that each patient is unique and each procedure has its own twists and turns. Added to that are the differences in training among surgical personnel and ways to monitor these devices. There are no standard to dictate what is “proper” training and monitoring. There also isn’t a standard for who is qualified to read and interpret the tests.
Research to show what works best will help guide the use of intraoperative monitoring. The goals are to improve patient care and reduce the number of complications and problems.
Your surgeon understands all the ins and outs and pros and cons of monitoring. Don’t hesitate to ask how this tool will be used during your procedure and who will be doing the monitoring.