US20090177112A1 - System and Methods for Performing Neurophysiologic Assessments During Spine Surgery - Google Patents

System and Methods for Performing Neurophysiologic Assessments During Spine Surgery Download PDF

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US20090177112A1
US20090177112A1 US11/883,709 US88370906A US2009177112A1 US 20090177112 A1 US20090177112 A1 US 20090177112A1 US 88370906 A US88370906 A US 88370906A US 2009177112 A1 US2009177112 A1 US 2009177112A1
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stimulation
stimulation signal
response
current
control unit
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James Gharib
Allen Farquhar
Doug Layman
Jeff Balzer
Blair Calancie
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Nuvasive Inc
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Assigned to BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT reassignment BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT NOTICE OF GRANT OF SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENTS Assignors: BIOTRONIC NATIONAL, LLC, NUVASIVE CLINICAL SERVICES MONITORING, INC., NUVASIVE CLINICAL SERVICES, INC., NUVASIVE SPECIALIZED ORTHOPEDICS, INC., NUVASIVE, INC.
Assigned to BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT reassignment BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT SECURITY INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: NUVASIVE CLINICAL SERVICES MONITORING, INC., NUVASIVE CLINICAL SERVICES, INC., NUVASIVE SPECIALIZED ORTHOPEDICS, INC., NUVASIVE, INC.
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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/24—Detecting, measuring or recording bioelectric or biomagnetic signals of the body or parts thereof
    • A61B5/316—Modalities, i.e. specific diagnostic methods
    • A61B5/389—Electromyography [EMG]
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/24—Detecting, measuring or recording bioelectric or biomagnetic signals of the body or parts thereof
    • A61B5/316—Modalities, i.e. specific diagnostic methods
    • A61B5/389—Electromyography [EMG]
    • A61B5/395—Details of stimulation, e.g. nerve stimulation to elicit EMG response
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/40—Detecting, measuring or recording for evaluating the nervous system
    • A61B5/4029—Detecting, measuring or recording for evaluating the nervous system for evaluating the peripheral nervous systems
    • A61B5/4041—Evaluating nerves condition
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/40—Detecting, measuring or recording for evaluating the nervous system
    • A61B5/4058—Detecting, measuring or recording for evaluating the nervous system for evaluating the central nervous system
    • A61B5/407—Evaluating the spinal cord
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/45—For evaluating or diagnosing the musculoskeletal system or teeth
    • A61B5/4504—Bones
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/48—Other medical applications
    • A61B5/4887—Locating particular structures in or on the body
    • A61B5/4893—Nerves
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/74—Details of notification to user or communication with user or patient ; user input means
    • A61B5/7475—User input or interface means, e.g. keyboard, pointing device, joystick
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
    • A61N1/00—Electrotherapy; Circuits therefor
    • A61N1/02—Details
    • A61N1/04—Electrodes
    • A61N1/05—Electrodes for implantation or insertion into the body, e.g. heart electrode
    • A61N1/0526—Head electrodes
    • A61N1/0548—Oral electrodes
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
    • A61N1/00—Electrotherapy; Circuits therefor
    • A61N1/18—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes
    • A61N1/32—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents
    • A61N1/36—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents for stimulation
    • A61N1/36003—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents for stimulation of motor muscles, e.g. for walking assistance
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
    • A61N1/00—Electrotherapy; Circuits therefor
    • A61N1/18—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes
    • A61N1/32—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents
    • A61N1/36—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents for stimulation
    • A61N1/372—Arrangements in connection with the implantation of stimulators
    • A61N1/37211—Means for communicating with stimulators
    • A61N1/37235—Aspects of the external programmer
    • A61N1/37247—User interfaces, e.g. input or presentation means

Definitions

  • the present invention is an International Patent Application and claims the benefit of priority from commonly owned and co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/649,724, entitled “System and Methods for Monitoring Before, During and/or After Surgery,” and filed on Feb. 2, 2005, the entire contents of which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference into this disclosure as if set forth in its entirety herein.
  • Benefit is also claimed from commonly owned and co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/719,897, entitled “Multi-Channel Stimulation Threshold Detection Algorithm for Use With Neurophysiology Monitoring Systems,” and filed on Sep. 22, 2005, the entire contents of which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference into this disclosure as if set forth in its entirety herein.
  • the present invention relates generally to a system and methods for performing neurophysiologic assessments during surgery, such as assessing the health of the spinal cord via at least one of MEP and SSEP monitoring, and assessing at least one of bone integrity, nerve proximity, neuromuscular pathway, and nerve pathology (free-run and evoked) during spine surgery.
  • Surgical procedures conducted on or around the spine can be beneficial in reversing or mitigating a variety of ailments commonly suffered by patients.
  • neurological impairment remains a serious concern during surgical spine procedures.
  • the safety of the spinal cord is of paramount importance because damage to the spinal cord may have devastating results for the patient. Consequences of spinal cord damage may range from a slight loss of sensation to complete paralysis of the extremities, depending on the location and extent of damage. Assessing the spinal cord before, during and/or after surgery can provide the surgeon with valuable information on the health of the cord. Such information may allow the surgeon to initiate corrective measures if the health of the cord is compromised, thereby decreasing the chance of permanent spinal cord damage and the resulting consequences.
  • the spinal cord is composed of a number of nerve pathways including motor and sensory pathways.
  • Motor pathways transmit signals from the brain to the various muscle groups of the body.
  • sensory pathways transmit signals from the skin and other parts of the body up to the brain.
  • methods exist for assessing the health of the spinal cord by monitoring electrical transmission along these pathways. Degradation of an electrical signal introduced near the origin of a pathway and monitored near the end of the pathway is indicative of damage to the spinal cord.
  • Motor pathway monitoring may be accomplished by stimulating the motor cortex in the brain and recording the resulting EMG response of various muscles in the upper and lower extremities. This method is referred to as trans-cranial electrical motor evoked potential (tc e MEP, or simply “MEP”) monitoring.
  • tc e MEP trans-cranial electrical motor evoked potential
  • Sensory pathway monitoring may be accomplished by stimulating a peripheral nerve that enters the spinal cord below the level of surgery and recording the resulting action potentials from electrodes on the scalp or high level cervical vertebra. This method is referred to as somatosensory evoked potential (SSEP) monitoring.
  • SSEP somatosensory evoked potential
  • MEP and SSEP monitoring are generally effective for assessing the health of the spinal cord
  • data from the current methods is typically received as electrical waveforms that must first be analyzed and interpreted in order to provide meaningful data to the surgeon.
  • Interpreting the data can be a complex and difficult task and typically requires specially trained personnel to complete it. This is disadvantageous in that it increases surgery time (additional time needed to interpret data and communicate significance to the surgeon), translates into extra expense (having extra highly trained persons in attendance), and oftentimes presents scheduling challenges because most hospitals do not retain such specially trained personnel.
  • the present invention is directed at addressing the above identified needs and overcoming, or at least improving upon, the disadvantages of the prior art.
  • the present invention includes a system and related methods for performing neurophysiologic assessments during surgery, such as assessing the health of the spinal cord via at least one of MEP and SSEP monitoring, and assessing at least one of bone integrity, nerve proximity, neuromuscular pathway, and nerve pathology (free-run and evoked) during spine surgery.
  • the present invention includes a surgical system, comprising a control unit and a surgical instrument.
  • the control unit has at least one of computer programmed software, firmware and hardware capable of delivering a stimulation signal, receiving and processing neuromuscular or other bioelectric responses due to the stimulation signal, and identifying a relationship between the neuromuscular response and the stimulation signal.
  • the surgical instrument has at least one stimulation electrode in communication with the control unit (via hardwire or wireless) for transmitting a stimulation signal.
  • the control unit is capable of assessing at least one of spinal cord health via MEP or SSEP monitoring, bone integrity, nerve proximity, and nerve pathology based on the identified relationship between a stimulation signal and a corresponding neuromuscular response.
  • control unit is further equipped to communicate at least one of alpha-numeric and graphical information to a user regarding at least one of MEP, SSEP, bone integrity, nerve proximity, nerve direction, and nerve pathology.
  • the hardware employed by the control unit to provide a stimulation signal may comprise an MEP stimulator capable of delivering a range of high voltage, constant current pulses for stimulating the motor cortex through the skull, wherein the control unit assesses the health of the spinal cord based on the identified relationship between the neuromuscular response and the stimulation signal.
  • the MEP stimulator may be communicatively linked to the control unit via wireless technology.
  • a bite block may be used in conjunction with the MEP stimulator, wherein the bite block is communicatively linked to the system and placement of the bite block may be confirmed by the system prior to MEP stimulation.
  • the hardware employed by the control unit to provide a stimulation signal may comprise a patient module capable of delivering a range of low voltage, constant current pulses for stimulating a peripheral nerve, wherein the control unit assess the health of the nerve pathways based on the identified relationship between the stimulation signal and the corresponding neuromuscular response.
  • the hardware employed by the control unit to provide a stimulation signal may comprise a patient module capable of delivering a range of low voltage pulses at a constant current (or constant voltage, if desired) for stimulating a nerve, wherein the control unit determines at least one of bone integrity, nerve proximity, nerve direction, and nerve pathology based on the identified relationship between the neuromuscular response and the stimulation signal.
  • the surgical instrument may comprise at least one of a device for forming a hole in bone (e.g. for testing pedicle integrity), a device for accessing a surgical target site, and a device for maintaining contact with a nerve during surgery.
  • the surgical instrument comprises a screw test instrument, wherein the control unit determines the degree of electrical communication between the screw test instrument and an exiting spinal nerve root to assess whether a pedicle has been breached during at least one of pilot hole formation (e.g. via an awl), pilot hole preparation (e.g. via a tap), and screw placement (e.g. via a ball-tipped probe).
  • pilot hole formation e.g. via an awl
  • pilot hole preparation e.g. via a tap
  • screw placement e.g. via a ball-tipped probe
  • the surgical instrument comprises a nerve root retractor, wherein the control unit determines nerve pathology based on the identified relationship or change in relationship between the neuromuscular response and the stimulation signal.
  • the surgical instrument comprises a dilating instrument, wherein the control unit determines at least one of proximity and direction between a nerve and the instrument based on the identified relationship between the neuromuscular response and the stimulation signal.
  • the dilating instrument comprises at least one of a K-wire, an obturator, a dilating cannula, and a working cannula.
  • the surgical instrument comprises a tissue retractor assembly and the control unit determines at least one of proximity and direction between a nerve and the instrument based on the identified relationship between the neuromuscular response and the stimulation signal.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary surgical system 10 capable of conducting multiple nerve and spinal cord monitoring functions including but not necessarily limited to MEP, SSEP, neuromuscular pathway, bone integrity, nerve detection, and nerve pathology (evoked or free-run EMG) assessments;
  • FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the surgical system 10 shown in FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 3 is an exemplary screen display illustrating a site selection screen for indicating the spinal region to be monitored
  • FIG. 4 is an exemplary screen display illustrating a drop down function menu for navigating between different functions of the system 10 during cervical and thoracolumbar procedures;
  • FIG. 5 is an exemplary screen display illustrating another embodiment drop down function menu for navigating between different functions of the system 10 during lumbar procedures;
  • FIG. 6 is an exemplary screen display illustrating a function display screen from which the function menu may be accessed
  • FIG. 7 is exemplary screen display illustrating the function display screen of FIG. 6 in which the function menu has been opened;
  • FIG. 8 is an exemplary screen display illustrating one embodiment of a general system setup screen
  • FIG. 9 is a graph illustrating a plot of a stimulation current signal comprising a train of pulses capable of producing a neuromuscular response (EMG) of the type shown in FIG. 10 ;
  • FIG. 10 is a graph illustrating a plot of the neuromuscular response (EMG) of a given myotome over time based on a stimulation signal (such as shown in FIG. 9 ) applied to the motor cortex and transmitted to a nerve bundle coupled to the given myotome;
  • EMG neuromuscular response
  • FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of an MEP stimulator capable of delivering high current stimulation signals necessary top elicit MEP responses;
  • FIG. 12 is a view of the back of the MEP stimulator of FIG. 11 ;
  • FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a bite block for use with the present invention.
  • FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the bite block of FIG. 13 including a pair of electrodes communicatively linked to the system as a means of providing a safety check;
  • FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the bite block of FIG. 13 including one electrode communicatively linked to the system as a means of providing a safety check;
  • FIG. 16 is a graph illustrating a plot of EMG response peak-to-peak voltage (Vpp) for each given stimulation current level (I Stim ) forming a stimulation current pulse according to the present invention (otherwise known as a “recruitment curve”);
  • FIGS. 17A-17D are graphs illustrating the fundamental steps of a rapid current threshold-hunting algorithm according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating the method by which a multi-channel hunting algorithm determines whether to perform or omit a stimulation
  • FIGS. 19A-19C are graphs illustrating use of the threshold hunting algorithm of FIG. 17 and further omitting stimulations when the likely result is already clear from previous data;
  • FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating the sequence employed by the algorithm to determine and monitor I thresh ;
  • FIG. 21 is a graph illustrating the confirmation step employed by the algorithm to determine whether I thresh has changed from a previous determination
  • FIG. 22 is an exemplary screen display illustrating one embodiment of a MEP automatic mode setup screen according to the present invention.
  • FIGS. 23-24 are exemplary screen displays illustrating various embodiments of the MEP Automatic mode function according to one aspect of;
  • FIG. 25 is an exemplary screen display illustrating one embodiment of a MEP manual mode setup screen according to the present invention.
  • FIGS. 26-27 are exemplary screen displays illustrating various embodiments of the MEP manual mode function according to one aspect of the present invention.
  • FIG. 28 is a graph illustrating a decrease in the EMG response amplitude demonstrating an additional method of assessing the health of the spinal cord and nerve pathways;
  • FIG. 29 is a graph illustrating an increase in the EMG response latency period demonstrating another method of assessing the health of the spinal cord
  • FIG. 30 is a graph illustrating a change in EMG response waveform morphology from a complex multiphasic waveform to a bi-phasic waveform demonstrating yet one more additional method for assessing the health of the spinal cord;
  • FIG. 31 is an exemplary screen display illustrating one embodiment of the SSEP function of the present invention.
  • FIG. 32 is an exemplary screen display illustrating one embodiment of a SSEP setup screen according to one aspect of the present invention.
  • FIG. 33 is an exemplary screen display illustrating a method of generating a surgical report according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 34 is an exemplary screen display illustrating a method of selecting between a full surgical report or a summary surgical report according to one embodiment of the present invention
  • FIGS. 35A-35C is an exemplary representation of a summary report according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIGS. 36A-36E is an exemplary representation of a full report according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates, by way of example only, a surgical system 10 capable of assessing the health of the spinal cord via at least one of MEP and SSEP monitoring and quickly presenting meaningful data to the surgeon.
  • the surgical system 10 is further capable of conducting other neural monitoring functions including, but not necessarily limited to, stimulated EMG, neuromuscular pathway assessments (Twitch Test), pedicle screw testing (Screw Test), nerve proximity monitoring (Detection), and nerve pathology monitoring (Nerve Retractor).
  • the surgical system 10 and related methods of the present invention are suitable for use in any number of additional procedures, surgical or otherwise, wherein assessing the health of the spinal cord and/or various other nerves may prove beneficial, such as, for example only, when the blood supply to the spinal cord is at risk during thoracic vascular surgery.
  • the surgical system 10 includes a control unit 12 , a patient module 14 , an EMG harness 16 , including eight pairs of EMG electrodes 18 and a return (anode) electrode 22 coupled to the patient module 14 , an MEP stimulator 21 , a pair of peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) electrodes 25 also coupled to the patient module 14 , at least one pair of stimulation electrodes 23 coupled to the MEP stimulator 21 , and a host of surgical accessories 32 capable of being coupled to the patient module 14 via one or more accessory cables 30 .
  • EMG harness 16 including eight pairs of EMG electrodes 18 and a return (anode) electrode 22 coupled to the patient module 14
  • an MEP stimulator 21 a pair of peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) electrodes 25 also coupled to the patient module 14
  • PNS peripheral nerve stimulation
  • a host of surgical accessories 32 capable of being coupled to the patient module 14 via one or more accessory cables 30 .
  • the surgical accessories 32 may include, but are not necessarily limited to, stimulation accessories (such as a screw test probe 36 and dynamic stimulation clips 42 , 52 ), surgical access components (such as a K-wire 62 , one or more dilating cannula 64 , a working cannula 66 , and a tissue retraction assembly 70 ), and neural pathology monitoring devices (such as a nerve root retractor 76 ).
  • stimulation accessories such as a screw test probe 36 and dynamic stimulation clips 42 , 52
  • surgical access components such as a K-wire 62 , one or more dilating cannula 64 , a working cannula 66 , and a tissue retraction assembly 70
  • neural pathology monitoring devices such as a nerve root retractor 76 .
  • FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the surgical system 10 , the operation of which will be explained in conjunction with FIG. 1 .
  • the control unit 12 includes a touch screen display 26 and a base 28 , which collectively contain the essential processing capabilities for controlling the surgical system 10 .
  • the touch screen display 26 is preferably equipped with a graphical user interface (GUI) capable of graphically communicating information to the user and receiving instructions from the user.
  • GUI graphical user interface
  • the base 28 contains computer hardware and software that commands the stimulation sources (e.g. MEP stimulator 21 and patient module 14 ) receives digital and/or analog signals and other information from the patient module 14 , processes the EMG responses, and displays the processed data to the operator via the display 26 .
  • the stimulation sources e.g. MEP stimulator 21 and patient module 14
  • receives digital and/or analog signals and other information from the patient module 14 processes the EMG responses, and displays the processed data to the operator via the display 26 .
  • the primary functions of the software within the control unit 12 include receiving user commands via the touch screen display 26 , activating stimulation in the requested mode (MEP, SSEP, Twitch Test, Screw Test (Basic, Difference, Dynamic), Detection, and Nerve Retractor), processing signal data according to defined algorithms (described below), displaying received parameters and processed data, and monitoring system status.
  • MEP activating stimulation in the requested mode
  • SSEP Twitch Test
  • Screw Test Basic, Difference, Dynamic
  • processing signal data according to defined algorithms (described below)
  • displaying received parameters and processed data and monitoring system status.
  • the patient module 14 is connected via a data cable 24 to the control unit 12 , and contains the electrical connections to electrodes, signal conditioning circuitry, stimulator drive and steering circuitry, and a digital communications interface to the control unit 12 .
  • the control unit 12 is situated outside but close to the surgical field (such as on a cart adjacent the operating table) such that the display 26 is directed towards the surgeon for easy visualization.
  • the patient module 14 may be located near the patient's legs or may be affixed to the end of the operating table at mid-leg level using a bedrail clamp. The position selected should be such that all EMG electrodes 18 can reach their farthest desired location without tension during the surgical procedure.
  • the information displayed to the user on the display 26 may include, but is not necessarily limited to, alpha-numeric and/or graphical information regarding any of the requested modes (e.g., MEP, SSEP, Twitch Test, Screw Test (Basic, Difference, Dynamic), Detection, and Nerve Retractor), myotome/EMG levels, stimulation levels, etc . . .
  • this information may include at least some of the following components (depending on the active mode) as set forth in Table 1:
  • Mode Indicator Graphics and/or name to indicate the currently active mode (MEP, SSEP, Twitch Test, Basic Screw Test, Dynamic Screw Test, Difference Screw Test, Detection, Nerve Retractor).
  • Graphics and/or name may also be displayed to indicate the instrument in use, such as the dilator, K-wire, retractor blades, screw test instruments, and associated size information, if applicable, of the cannula, with the numeric size. If no instrument is in use, then no indicator is displayed.
  • Stimulation Bar A graphical stimulation indicator depicting the present stimulation status (ie.. on or off and stimulation current level) Sequence Bar Shows the last several stimulation results and provides for annotation of results.
  • EMG waveforms EMG waveforms may be optionally displayed on screen along with the stimulation results.
  • FIG. 3 is an exemplary display of a “Site Selection” screen from which a user may initially select the spinal region (i.e. Cervical, Thoracolumbar, or Lumbar) in which the procedure is to be performed by touching one of the site selection tabs 120 .
  • EMG electrode placement differs for each spinal region, based on the specific spinal nerves of that region and the associated muscle myotomes. Upon selection of a particular spinal region, each EMG channel is labeled with a myotome according to a preferred EMG configuration for that spinal region.
  • the Site Selection screen preferably sets forth a list of the modes 122 available for each spinal region.
  • the Cervical and Thoracolumbar spinal regions may include the Twitch Test, Basic Screw Test, Difference Screw Test, Dynamic Screw Test, MEP Auto, and MEP Manual modes
  • the Lumbar spinal region includes the Twitch Test, Basic Screw Test, Difference Screw Test, Dynamic Screw Test, MaXcess® Detection, and Nerve Retractor modes, all of which will be described in greater detail below.
  • each of the spinal regions may also include an SSEP mode, as will be described in greater detail below.
  • the Twitch Test mode is designed to assess the neuromuscular pathway via the so-called “train-of-four” test to ensure the neuromuscular pathway is free from muscle relaxants prior to performing neurophysiology-based testing, such as bone integrity (e.g. pedicle) testing, nerve detection, and nerve retraction.
  • neurophysiology-based testing such as bone integrity (e.g. pedicle) testing, nerve detection, and nerve retraction.
  • the Basic Screw Test, Difference Screw Test, and Dynamic Screw Test modes are designed to assess the integrity of bone (e.g. the pedicle) during all aspects of pilot hole formation (e.g., via an awl), pilot hole preparation (e.g. via a tap), and screw introduction (during and after).
  • pilot hole formation e.g., via an awl
  • pilot hole preparation e.g. via a tap
  • screw introduction during and after
  • the MaXcess® Detection mode is designed to detect the presence of nerves during the use of the various surgical access instruments of the surgical system 10 , including the k-wire 62 , dilator 64 , cannula 66 , retractor assembly 70 .
  • This mode is described in greater detail within Int'l Patent App. No PCT/US02/22247, entitled “System and Methods for Determining Nerve Proximity, Direction, and Pathology During Surgery,” filed on Jul. 11, 2002, the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth fully herein.
  • the Nerve Retractor mode is designed to assess the health or pathology of a nerve before, during, and after retraction of the nerve during a surgical procedure.
  • the surgical system 10 provides the ability to quickly and easily switch or toggle back and forth between different modes during a surgical procedure. Toggling between the various functions of the surgical system 10 may preferably be accomplished by selecting from a drop down mode menu 104 , as illustrated in FIGS. 4-5 .
  • the mode menu 104 is available on a “menu screen.”
  • FIG. 4 represents a menu screen for the cervical and thoracolumbar spinal regions
  • FIG. 5 represents a menu screen for the lumbar spinal region.
  • the menu screen includes the mode menu 104 and may optionally also include instructions for using and recalling the mode menu 104 at a later time.
  • the mode menu 104 may be recalled directly from the display screen for any given mode, such as the exemplary “MEP Automatic” mode illustrated in FIG. 6-7 . Selecting the menu button 118 labeled (by way of example only) “Select Mode” expands and the drop-down mode menu 104 as seen in FIG. 7 . Using the menu 104 , the surgeon or other qualified user may open any of the functions by selecting the function tab 110 corresponding to the desired function. Also from the menu 104 , the user may optionally select to view actual EMG waveforms 116 in addition to the other stimulation results. This is accomplished by selecting an EMG tab (entitled “with EMG”) corresponding to the desired function.
  • drop down menu described above is only a preferred method of navigating between functions and any of a number of different methods may be used.
  • a menu bar containing the different function buttons may be constantly displayed across the top or bottom of the screen.
  • the surgical system 10 also includes a Setup mode that provides a simple means for selecting and/or changing various options and parameters associated with the surgical system 10 and each the modes.
  • the display screen for each mode includes a setup tab that allows a user to access and modify the parameters for any or all of the modes.
  • FIG. 8 is an exemplary illustration, set forth by way of example only, of a general system setup screen. From the system set up screen, the user may adjust the system volume, adjust the free-run EMG volume, change the EMG scale, turn the various EMG channels on and off, set the date and time, conduct an impedance test to check the electrical connection between the EMG electrodes and the patient's skin, and shutdown the system 10 .
  • the setup options relating to each of the modes (including MEP and SSEP) will be discussed in greater detail below.
  • the neuromonitoring functionality of the surgical system 10 is based on assessing the evoked response of the various muscles myotomes monitored by the surgical system 10 in relation to a stimulation signal transmitted by the system 10 . This is best shown in FIG. 9-10 , wherein FIG. 10 illustrates the resulting EMG of a monitored myotome in response to each pulse of the stimulation signal shown in FIG. 9 .
  • the EMG responses provide a quantitative measure of the nerve depolarization caused by the electrical stimulus.
  • EMG response monitoring is accomplished via 8 pairs EMG electrodes 18 (placed on the skin over the muscle groups to be monitored), a common electrode 20 providing a ground reference to pre-amplifiers in the patient module 14 , and an anode electrode 22 providing a return path for the stimulation current.
  • a preferred EMG electrode for use with the system 10 is the dual surface electrode which is shown and described in detail in the commonly owned and co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11,048,404, entitled “Improved Electrode System and Related Methods,” filed on Jan. 31, 2005, which is expressly incorporated by reference into this disclosure as if set forth in its entirety herein.
  • EMG electrode placement depends on a multitude of factors, including for example, the spinal cord level and particular nerves at risk and user preference, among others. Though not essential, electrode placement is preferably undertaken to correspond with the preferred EMG configuration determined during site selection. In one embodiment (set forth by way of example only), the preferred EMG configuration is described for Lumbar in Table 2, Thoracolumbar in Table 3, and Cervical in Table 4 below:
  • the surgical system 10 is capable of assessing the health of the spinal cord via MEP monitoring.
  • the surgical system 10 performs the MEP function by transmitting electrical stimulation signals from the MEP stimulator 21 through the motor cortex of the brain.
  • the stimulation signals create action potentials which travel along the spinal cord and into exiting nerve roots, evoking activity from muscles innervated by the nerves.
  • Evoked EMG responses of the muscles are recorded by the system 10 and analyzed in relation to the stimulation signal (discussed below). Resulting data from the analysis is conveyed to the surgeon on the GUI display 26 .
  • MEP stimulation signals are generated in the MEP stimulator 21 and delivered to the motor cortex via stimulation electrodes 23 connected to the MEP stimulator 21 .
  • Stimulation electrodes 23 may take the form of needle, corkscrew, or surface pad electrodes, among other known forms.
  • a pair of stimulation electrodes 23 one cathode and one anode, are placed on opposite sides of the skull to transcranially stimulate the motor cortex.
  • a single MEP stimulation signal includes multiple electrical pulses delivered together as one group or train. Stimulation signals comprising multiple pulses are desirable when stimulating the motor cortex, such as when performing MEP, because a more reliable response can be generated as a result.
  • Each individual pulse of the stimulation signal will cause depolarization (provided the current level is greater than or equal to the stimulation threshold).
  • Each train of pulses i.e. each individual stimulation signal
  • the stimulation signal includes a predetermined number of pulses (N) separated by an interpulse gap (G) measured from leading edge to leading edge, each pulse having a pulse width (W) and a current level (I).
  • N predetermined number of pulses
  • G interpulse gap
  • I current level
  • the current (I), pulse width (W), and interpulse gap (G) remain constant within a given stimulation signal.
  • FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate front and back views of an example embodiment of MEP stimulator 21 , respectively.
  • MEP stimulator 21 includes a high voltage transformer and signal conditioning circuitry (not shown), a communications link to the control unit 12 , electrical connections 27 for stimulation electrodes 23 , power source connection 35 , power switch 33 and LED lights 29 for indicating the type of connection (e.g. wireless Bluetooth connection or USB data cable), whether the power is on, and whether the stimulator 21 is ready to stimulate.
  • MEP stimulator 21 is current controlled and may deliver stimulation pulses with a current level (I) ranging from 0 mA to 1000 mA. To generate the desired current, stimulator 21 has a voltage output ranging from 0V to 1000V.
  • I current level
  • Stimulation signals generated may include a train of pulses (N) ranging in number from 1 to 8. Pulses may be separated by an interpulse gap (G) ranging from 1 ms to 10 ms and pulse widths (W) may range from 50 ⁇ s to 400 ⁇ s.
  • MEP stimulator 21 is further capable of delivering either a positive pulse or a negative pulse and may do so automatically or upon manual selection. Additionally, MEP stimulator 21 may have more than one stimulation channel, thus, additional pairs of stimulation electrodes 23 may be arranged on the skull. This may be advantageous in that the effectiveness of a stimulation pulse originating from one position on the skull may vary between different recording sites.
  • MEP stimulator 21 is communicatively linked to the control unit 12 which commands the stimulator 21 to deliver stimulation signals (according to the predetermined parameters) at the proper time.
  • MEP stimulator 21 may be linked to the control unit 12 with a data cable that connects in any suitable manner or protocol, including but not limited to a USB cable that plugs into a USB port 31 on MEP stimulator 21 and control unit 12 .
  • MEP stimulator 21 may be linked to the control unit 12 via wireless technology. By way of example only, this may be accomplished by providing each of the control unit 12 and the MEP stimulator 21 with Bluetooth transceivers, which are commercially available and commonly known in the prior art, allowing the control unit 12 to transmit stimulation commands to the MEP stimulator 21 via a robust radio link.
  • MEP stimulator 21 may be positioned outside the sterile area but should be located such that the stimulation electrodes 23 , attached to the stimulator 21 , may be positioned on the patient's head without tension.
  • MEP stimulator 21 may be placed on the surgical table adjacent to the patient's head.
  • the MEP stimulator 21 may be fashioned with a mount or hook (not shown) and hung from the surgical table, an IV pole near the patient's head, or other equipment positioned near the patient.
  • MEP stimulator 21 may be optionally provided with a “bite block” 130 ( FIGS. 13-15 ) to protect the patient's teeth, tongue, and cheeks from potential damage that may be caused by a reflexive clenching of the jaws (bite reflex) which may occur during MEP stimulation.
  • Bite block 130 may be embodied in any of a variety of devices that can be inserted between the upper and lower teeth, absorbing the force of a bite reflex and preventing the tongue and/or cheeks from being bitten.
  • bite block 130 may comprise a generally U shape matching the curvature of the mouth.
  • a bite channel 132 may be provided to encourage proper positioning in the mouth.
  • bite block 130 may be disposable and a new bite block provided for each patient.
  • one or more electrodes 134 may be incorporated into the bite block 130 .
  • the system 10 may conduct a safety check and confirm that bite block 130 is properly positioned prior to initiating an MEP stimulation pulse that may result in a bite reflex.
  • two electrodes 134 may be positioned near the distal ends of bite block 130 such that a gap, indicated by line X, exists between the electrodes 134 .
  • Attachable cables 136 may communicatively link the electrodes 134 to patient module 14 .
  • the electrodes 134 may be connected to MEP stimulator 21 via attachable cables 136 .
  • the surgical system 10 confirms bite block 130 is in position by applying a small electrical current, via patient module 14 or MEP stimulator 21 , to the cathode electrode and measuring the impedance between the cathode and anode.
  • bite block 130 Positioning bite block 130 in the mouth moistens electrodes 134 which results in a decrease in the impedance value. Conversely, if the bite block 130 is not positioned in the mouth, the electrodes 134 may not be moistened and the impedance value will be substantially higher.
  • one electrode 134 may be incorporated into bite block 130 and connected to the MEP stimulator via attachable cable 136 . Electrode 134 may be employed in conjunction with stimulation electrode 23 to conduct the safety check and confirm bite block 130 is in position prior to initiating MEP stimulation.
  • the system 10 applies a small electrical current to the stimulation electrode 23 located on the head and the impedance between the stimulation electrode 23 and the bite block electrode 134 is determined. If the impedance value is not within a predetermined safe range, it may be an indication that the bite block 130 is not positioned properly thus decreasing its effectiveness. The bite block 130 may be repositioned and tested again until the impedance test indicates proper positioning.
  • electrode 134 of bite block 130 may comprise one of MEP stimulation electrodes 23 . Electrode 134 is connected, via an attachable cable 136 , to MEP stimulator 21 on the same stimulation channel as the corresponding stimulation electrode 23 . In this manner, transcranial stimulation of the motor cortex is achieved by sending an MEP stimulation pulse from an electrode on the top of the head to an electrode located in the mouth, as opposed to sending the stimulation signal from one side of the head to the other. In addition to providing an alternate path for the stimulation pulse, utilizing the bite block 130 as a part of the stimulation circuit ensures that the protective bite block 130 is in position prior to MEP stimulation. Additionally, the impedance tests described above may be implemented through this embodiment.
  • bite block 130 has been described above with reference to the surgical system 10 , it will be appreciated as within the scope of the invention to use bite block 130 in conjunction with any device or system used for MEP stimulation. It will be further appreciated as not departing from the scope of the invention that bite block 130 may be implemented as an independent system utilizing its own electrical source or the electrical source of any system it may be used in conjunction with, for any of a variety of situations where confirming placement of a bite block may be beneficial.
  • a basic premise underlying the methods employed by the system 10 for MEP monitoring (as well as the other nerve monitoring functions conducted by system 10 ) is that neurons and nerves have characteristic threshold current levels (I Thresh ) at which they will depolarize, resulting in detectable muscle activity. Below this threshold current, stimulation signals will not evoke a significant EMG response.
  • a significant EMG response is defined as having a V pp of approximately 100 uV.
  • V Thresh The lowest stimulation signal current that evokes this threshold voltage (V Thresh ) is called I Thresh .
  • I thresh increases as the degree of electrical communication between a stimulation signal and a nerve decreases and conversely, I thresh decreases as the electrical communication increases between the nerve and stimulation pulse.
  • monitoring I thresh during MEP can provide the surgeon with useful information about the health of the spinal cord. For example, if I thresh is too high or increases from a previous measurement, it may indicate a problem in the spinal cord inhibiting transmission (communication) of the stimulation signal to the nerve.
  • I thresh can be conveyed as a simple numerical value, thereby providing the surgeon with simple, comprehensible data from the MEP test, without the need for separate analysis by other highly trained personnel. Calculating I thresh also provides valuable information for other nerve monitoring functions, including, but not necessarily limited to, pedicle screw testing nerve proximity monitoring, and nerve pathology monitoring. Armed with the useful information conveyed by I thresh , the surgeon may detect a problem or potential problem early and then act to avoid and/or mitigate the problem.
  • the system 10 identifies and measures the peak-to-peak voltage (V pp ) of each EMG response corresponding to a given stimulation current (I Stim ). Identifying the true V pp of a response may be complicated by the existence of stimulation and/or noise artifacts which may create an erroneous V pp measurement. To overcome this challenge, the surgical system 10 of the present invention may employ any number of suitable artifact rejection techniques such as those shown and described in full in the above referenced co-pending and commonly assigned PCT App. Ser. No. PCT/US2004/025550, entitled “System and Methods for Performing Dynamic Pedicle Integrity Assessments,” filed on Aug. 5, 2004.
  • V pp Upon measuring V pp for each EMG response, the V pp information is analyzed relative to the corresponding stimulation current (I stim ) in order to identify the minimum stimulation current (I Thresh ) capable of resulting in a predetermined V pp EMG response.
  • I Thresh the minimum stimulation current capable of resulting in a predetermined V pp EMG response.
  • the determination of I Thresh may be accomplished via any of a variety of suitable algorithms or techniques.
  • FIGS. 17A-17D illustrates, by way of example only, the basic principles of a threshold hunting algorithm of the present invention used to quickly find I thresh during MEP monitoring.
  • I thresh is, once again, the minimum stimulation current (I stim ) that results in an EMG response with a V pp greater than a known threshold voltage, V thresh .
  • the method for finding I thresh for MEP according to the present invention utilizes a bracketing method and a bisection method.
  • the bracketing method quickly finds a range (bracket) of stimulation currents that must contain I thresh and the bisection method narrows the bracket until I thresh is known within a specified accuracy. If the stimulation current threshold, I thresh , of a channel exceeds a maximum stimulation current, that threshold is considered out of range.
  • FIG. 17B illustrates the bracketing feature of the MEP threshold hunting algorithm of the present invention.
  • Stimulation begins at a minimum stimulation current, such as (by way of example only) 100 mA.
  • the level of each subsequent stimulation is doubled from the preceding stimulation level until a stimulation current recruits (i.e. results in an EMG response with a V pp greater or equal to V thresh ).
  • the first stimulation current to recruit 800 mA in FIG. 17B
  • together with the last stimulation current to have not recruited 400 mA in FIG. 17B ), forms the initial bracket.
  • FIGS. 17C-17D illustrate the bisection feature of the MEP threshold hunting algorithm of the present invention.
  • the initial bracket is successively reduced via bisection to a predetermined width, such as (by way of example only) 25 mA.
  • a first bisection stimulation current that bisects (i.e. forms the midpoint of) the initial bracket (600 mA in FIG. 17C ). If this first bisection stimulation current recruits, the bracket is reduced to the lower half of the initial bracket (e.g. 400 mA and 600 mA in FIG. 17C ). If this first bisection stimulation current does not recruit, the bracket is reduced to the upper half of the initial bracket (e.g.
  • this third bisection stimulation current is below I thresh , it will not recruit. As such, the third bracket will be reduced to the upper half thereof (550 mA to 600 mA), forming a fourth bracket. A fourth bisection stimulation current forming the mid-point of the fourth bracket (575 mA in this case) will then be applied. Because the fourth bisection stimulation current is above I thresh , it will recruit. The final bracket is therefore between 550 mA and 575 mA. Due to the “response” or recruitment at 550 mA and “no response” or lack of recruitment at 575 mA, it can be inferred that I thresh is within this range.
  • the midpoint of this final bracket may be defined as I thresh , however, any any value falling within the final bracket may be selected as I thresh without departing from the scope of the present invention.
  • the algorithm may stop after finding I thresh for the first responding channel (i.e. the channel with the lowest I thresh ) or the bracketing and bisection steps may be repeated for each channel to determine I thresh for each channel.
  • I thresh For some functions, such as (by way of example) MEP monitoring, it may be desirable to obtain I thresh for each active channel each time the MEP function is performed. This is particularly advantageous when assessing changes in I thresh over time as a means to detect potential problems (as opposed to detecting an I thresh below a predetermined level determined to be safe, such as in the Screw Test modes). While I thresh can be found for each active channel using the algorithm as described above, it requires a potentially large number of stimulations, each of which is associated with a specific time delay, which can add significantly to the response time. Done repeatedly, it could also add significantly to the overall time required to complete the surgical procedure, which may present added risk to the patient and added costs. To overcome this drawback, a preferred embodiment of the surgical system 10 boasts a multi-channel MEP threshold hunting algorithm so as to quickly determine I thresh for each channel while minimizing the number of stimulations and thus reduce the time required to perform such determinations.
  • the multi-channel MEP threshold hunting algorithm reduces the number stimulations required to complete the bracketing and bisection steps when I thresh is being found for multiple channels.
  • the multi-channel algorithm does so by omitting stimulations for which the result is predictable from the data already acquired. When a stimulation signal is omitted, the algorithm proceeds as if the stimulation had taken place. However, instead of reporting an actual recruitment result, the reported result is inferred from previous data. This permits the algorithm to proceed to the next step immediately, without the time delay associated with a stimulation signal.
  • each stimulation signal elicits a response from all active channels. That is to say, every channel either recruits or does not recruit in response to a stimulation signal (again, a channel is said to have recruited if a stimulation signal evokes an EMG response deemed to be significant on that channel, such as V pp of approximately 100 uV). These recruitment results are recorded and saved for each channel. Later, when a different channel is processed for I thresh , the saved data can be accessed and, based on that data, the algorithm may omit a stimulation signal and infer whether or not the channel would recruit at the given stimulation current.
  • a stimulation signal may be omitted if the selected stimulation current would be a repeat of a previous stimulation.
  • the algorithm may omit the stimulation and report the previous results. If the specific stimulation current required has not previously been used, a stimulation signal may still be omitted if the results are already clear from the previous data.
  • the algorithm may infer from the previous stimulation that the present channel will not recruit at 100 mA because it did not recruit at 200 mA. The algorithm may therefore omit the stimulation and report the previous result.
  • FIG. 18 illustrates (in flowchart form) a method by which the multi-channel MEP threshold hunting algorithm determines whether to stimulate, or not stimulate and simply report previous results.
  • the algorithm first determines if the selected stimulation current has already been used (step 202 ). If the stimulation current has been used, the stimulation is omitted and the results of the previous stimulation are reported for the present channel (step 204 ). If the stimulation current has not been used, the algorithm determines I recruit (step 206 ) and I norecruit (step 208 ) for the present channel. I recruit is the lowest stimulation current that has recruited on the present channel. I norecruit is the highest stimulation current that has failed to recruit on the present channel. The algorithm next determines whether I recruit is greater than I norecruit (step 210 ).
  • I recruit that is not greater than I norecruit is an indication that changes have occurred to I thresh on that channel. Thus, previous results may not be reflective of the present threshold state and the algorithm will not use them to infer the response to a given stimulation current.
  • the algorithm will stimulate at the selected current and report the results for the present channel (step 212 ). If I recruit is greater than I norecruit , the algorithm determines whether the selected stimulation current is higher than I recruit , lower than I norecruit , or between I recruit and I norecruit (step 214 ). If the selected stimulation current is higher than I recruit , the algorithm omits the stimulation and reports that the present channel recruits at the specified current (step 216 ).
  • the algorithm infers that the present channel will not recruit at the selected current and reports that result (step 218 ). If the selected stimulation current falls between I recruit and I norecruit , the result of the stimulation cannot be inferred and the algorithm stimulates at the selected current and reports the results for the present channel (step 212 ). This method may be repeated until I thresh has been determined for every active channel.
  • FIGS. 19A-19C demonstrate use of the multi-channel MEP threshold hunting algorithm to determine I thresh on only two channels. It should be appreciated, however, that the multi-channel algorithm is not limited to finding I thresh for two channels, but rather it may be used to find thresh for any number of channels, such as (for example) eight channels according to a preferred embodiment of the surgical system 10 .
  • channel 1 has an I thresh to be found of 625 mA and channel 2 has an I thresh to be found of 425 mA.
  • I thresh for channel 1 is found first, using the bracketing and bisection methods discussed above, as illustrated in FIG. 17B .
  • Bracketing begins at the minimum stimulation current (for the purposes of example only) of 100 mA. As this is the first channel processed and no previous recruitment results exist, no stimulations are omitted. The stimulation current is doubled with each successive stimulation until a significant EMG response is evoked at 800 mA.
  • the initial bracket of 400 mA-800 mA is bisected, using the bisection method described above, until the stimulation threshold, I thresh , is contained within a final bracket separated by the selected width or resolution (again 25 mA). In this example, the final bracket is 600 mA-625 mA. I thresh may be defined as any point within the final bracket or as the midpoint of the final bracket (612.5 mA in this case). In either event, I thresh is selected and reported as I thresh for channel 1 .
  • the algorithm turns to channel 2 , as illustrated in FIG. 19C .
  • the algorithm begins to process channel 2 by determining the initial bracket, which is again 400 mA-800 mA. All the stimulation currents required in the bracketing state were used in determining I thresh for channel 1 .
  • the algorithm refers back to the saved data to determine how channel 1 responded to the previous stimulations. From the saved data, the algorithm may infer that channel 2 will not recruit at stimulation currents of 100, 200, and 400 mA, and will recruit at 800 mA. These stimulations are omitted and the inferred results are displayed.
  • the first bisection stimulation current selected in the bisection process (600 mA in this case), was previously used and, as such, the algorithm may omit the stimulation and report that channel 2 recruits at that stimulation current.
  • the next bisection stimulation current selected (500 mA in this case) has not been previously used and, as such, the algorithm must determine whether the result of a stimulation at 500 mA may still be inferred.
  • I recruit and I norecruit are determined to be 600 mA and 400 mA, respectively. Because 500 mA falls in between I recruit and I norecruit , the algorithm may not infer the result from the previous data and, as such, the stimulation may not be omitted.
  • the algorithm then stimulates at 500 mA and reports that the channel recruits.
  • the bracket is reduced to the lower half (making 450 mA the next bisection stimulation current).
  • a stimulation current of 450 mA has not previously been used and, as such, the algorithm again determines I recruit and I norecruit (500 mA and 400 mA in this case).
  • the selected stimulation current (450 mA) falls in between I recruit an I norecruit and, as such, the algorithm stimulates at 450 mA and reports the results.
  • the bracket now stands at its final width of 25 mA (for the purposes of example only).
  • I thresh may be defined as any point within the final bracket or as the midpoint of the final bracket (412.5 mA in this case). In either event, I thresh is selected and reported as I thresh for channel 2 .
  • the multi-channel MEP threshold hunting algorithm is described above processing channels in numerical order, it will be understood that the actual order in which channels are processed is immaterial.
  • the channel processing order may be biased to yield the highest or lowest threshold first (discussed below) or an arbitrary processing order may be used.
  • the algorithm may cycle between one or more channels, processing as few as one stimulation current for that channel before moving on to the next channel.
  • the algorithm may stimulate at 100 mA while processing a first channel for I thresh .
  • the algorithm Before stimulating at 200 mA (the next stimulation current in the bracketing phase), the algorithm may cycle to any other channel and process it for the 100 mA stimulation current (omitting the stimulation if applicable). Any or all of the channels may be processed this way before returning to the first channel to apply the next stimulation. Likewise, the algorithm need not return to the first channel to stimulate at 200 mA, but instead may select a different channel to process first at the 200 mA level. In this manner, the algorithm may advance all channels essentially together and bias the order to find the lower threshold channels first or the higher threshold channels first. By way of example only, the algorithm may stimulate at one current level and process each channel in turn at that level before advancing to the next stimulation current level.
  • the algorithm may continue in this pattern until the channel with the lowest I thresh is bracketed.
  • the algorithm may then process that channel exclusively until I thresh is determined, and then return to processing the other channels one stimulation current level at a time until the channel with the next lowest I thresh is bracketed. This process may be repeated until I thresh is determined for each channel in order of lowest to highest I thresh . If I thresh for more than one channel falls within the same bracket, the bracket may be bisected, processing each channel within that bracket in turn until it becomes clear which one has the lowest I thresh . If it becomes more advantageous to determine the highest I thresh first, the algorithm may continue in the bracketing state until the bracket is found for every channel and then bisect each channel in descending order.
  • FIG. 20 illustrates a further feature of the MEP threshold hunting algorithm of the present invention, which advantageously provides the ability to further reduce the number of stimulations required to find I thresh when an I thresh value has previously been determined for a specific channel.
  • the algorithm may begin by merely confirming the previous I thresh rather than beginning anew with the bracketing and bisection methods. The algorithm first determines whether it is conducting the initial threshold determination for the channel or whether there is a previous I thresh determination (step 220 ). If it is not the initial determination, the algorithm confirms the previous determination (step 222 ) as described below.
  • the algorithm reports that value as the present I thresh (step 224 ). If it is the initial I thresh determination, or if the previous threshold cannot be confirmed, then the algorithm performs the bracketing function (step 226 ) and bisection function (step 228 ) to determine I thresh and then reports the value (step 224 ).
  • FIG. 21 illustrates, by way of example only, a method employed by the MEP threshold hunting algorithm for confirming a previous threshold.
  • the confirmation step attempts to ascertain whether I thresh has moved from its last known value. To do this, the algorithm applies two stimulation currents, one at or just above the threshold value and the other just below the threshold value. If the stimulation at or above I thresh recruits and the stimulation just below I thresh does not recruit, then the threshold has not moved and the algorithm may report that value as I thresh and proceed to process another channel. If the stimulation just below I thresh recruits, it may be concluded that I thresh has decreased and likewise if the stimulation at or just above I thresh fails to recruit, it may be concluded that I thresh has increased.
  • the algorithm enters the bracketing state. Rather than beginning the bracketing state from the minimum stimulation current, however, the bracketing state may begin from the previous I thresh .
  • the bracketing may advance up or down depending on whether I thresh has increased or decreased.
  • the confirmation step may stimulate at 400 mA and 375 mA. If the stimulation at 400 mA fails to evoke a significant response, it may be concluded that the I thresh has increased and the algorithm will bracket up from 400 mA.
  • the increment used in the confirmation step ie. 25 mA in this example) is doubled.
  • the algorithm stimulates at 450 mA. If the channel fails to recruit at this current level, the increment is doubled again (100 mA in this example) and the algorithm stimulates at 550 mA. This process is repeated until the maximum stimulation current is reached or the channel recruits, at which time the bisection function may be performed. If, during the confirmation step, the stimulation current just below the previously determined I thresh recruits, it may be concluded that I thresh for that channel has decreased and the algorithm may bracket down from that value (375 mA in this case). Thus, in this example, the algorithm would double the increment to 50 mA and stimulate at 325 mA.
  • the increment is doubled again to 100 mA such that the algorithm stimulates at 225 mA. This process is repeated until the minimum stimulation current is reached or the channel fails to recruit, at which time the algorithm may perform the bisection function.
  • this technique may be performed for each channel, in turn, in any order. Again stimulations may be omitted and the algorithm may begin processing a new channel before completing the algorithm for another channel, as described above.
  • the hunting algorithm is discussed herein in terms of finding I thresh (the lowest stimulation current that evokes a predetermined EMG response), it is contemplated that alternative stimulation thresholds may be useful in assessing the health of the spinal cord or nerve monitoring functions and may be determined by the hunting algorithm.
  • the hunting algorithm may be employed by the system 10 to determine a stimulation voltage threshold, Vstim thresh . This is the lowest stimulation voltage (as opposed to the lowest stimulation current) necessary to evoke a significant EMG response, V thresh .
  • Bracketing, bisection and monitoring states are conducted as described above for each active channel, with brackets based on voltage being substituted for the current based brackets previously described.
  • the algorithms described herein may also be used for determining the stimulation threshold (current or voltage) for any other EMG related functions, including but not limited to bone integrity (e.g. pedicle screw test), nerve detection, and nerve root retraction.
  • bone integrity e.g. pedicle screw test
  • nerve detection e.g. nerve root retraction
  • the surgical system 10 may perform the MEP function in either of two modes: Automatic mode and Manual mode. In one embodiment, these MEP modes are selectable from the drop-down function menu 104 of FIG. 4 .
  • Automatic mode the multi-channel MEP threshold hunting algorithm described above is utilized to determine a baseline I thresh for each channel, preferably prior to or in the early stages of a surgical procedure. It should be appreciated, however, that a new baseline I thresh may be determined at any time during the procedure at the option of the surgeon or other qualified operator. Having determined a baseline I thresh for each channel, subsequent monitoring may be performed as desired throughout the procedure and recovery period to obtain updated I thresh values for each channel.
  • Each new determination of I thresh is compared by the surgical system 10 to the baseline I thresh for the appropriate channel.
  • the difference ( ⁇ I thresh ) between the baseline I thresh and the new I thresh is calculated by the system 10 and the ⁇ I thresh value is compared to predetermined “safe” and “unsafe” values. If ⁇ I thresh is greater than the predetermined safe level, the user is alerted to a potential complication and action may be taken to avoid or mitigate the problem.
  • the speed with which the multi-channel MEP threshold hunting algorithm is able to determine I thresh across all channels, and the simplicity with which the data communicated to the user may be interpreted, allows the user to increase the frequency of MEP monitoring conducted during a procedure without a concurrent increase in overall surgery time. This provides significant benefit to the patient by reducing the time intervals in between MEP monitoring episodes during which an injury to the spinal cord may go undetected.
  • various features and parameters of the MEP function may be controlled and/or adjusted by the operator.
  • control may be exercised from an “MEP Auto” mode setup screen, shown by way of example only in FIG. 22 .
  • the operator may turn different EMG channels on or off, set the date and time, conduct an impedance test to check the electrical connection between the EMG electrodes and the patient's skin, shutdown the system 10 , and change one or more stimulation settings.
  • Up and down control arrows 126 may be selected to increase or decrease the maximum allowable stimulation current (I), the pulse width (W), the number of pulses per stimulation signal (N), and the interpulse gap (G).
  • MEP responses may be affected by a number of variables and the current level needed to evoke a significant response (i.e. I thresh ) may vary based on the parameters of the stimulation signal used.
  • I thresh the current level needed to evoke a significant response
  • the operator may optimize the stimulation signal for each patient (e.g. find the signal parameters that result in the lowest I thresh values).
  • signal optimization may also be carried out automatically by the surgical system 10 . Automatic signal optimization may be initiated by selecting a “signal optimization” tab 128 , which will cause the surgical system 10 to perform a series of stimulations varying the different signal parameters until a signal configuration resulting in the lowest I thresh values is determined. If more than one pair of stimulation electrodes 23 have been arranged on the head, then signal optimization may be advantageous in determining which electrodes 23 generate a better response. It may also be advantageous to optimize the signal after any instance where the signal is not detected or otherwise deteriorates.
  • the polarity of the stimulation signal also has an effect on the MEP response.
  • Positive phase stimulations may, for example, result in a lower I thresh values for muscles on the left side of the body than the right side of the body (or vice versa).
  • a polarity auto-switching feature may be controlled using on/off tabs 130 . When polarity auto-switching is on, stimulation signals from MEP stimulator 21 alternate between a positive phase and a negative phase. The left and right sides of the brain may respond differently to positive and negative pulses.
  • Each stimulation signal is used twice, once as a positive phase signal and once as a negative phase signal, before the hunting algorithm advances to the next stimulation current level.
  • a first stimulation signal will include 1 to 8 positive phase pulses of 100 mA.
  • a second stimulation signal will then include the same number of negative phase pulses of the same current, 100 mA.
  • the algorithm will stimulate at the next current level, in this case 200 mA, first with a positive phase signal followed by the negative phase signal. The algorithm will continue in this pattern until I thresh is determined for each channel.
  • the order in which positive and negative phases are used is not important and may be reversed such that the first stimulation signal includes negative phase pulses and the second signal follows with positive phase pulses.
  • polarity auto-switching is turned off, the operator may select the polarity to be used from the MEP display screen ( FIG. 23 ) or the stimulations may occur according to a default setting, which may be set as either positive or negative polarity.
  • the surgical system 10 includes the ability to remind the user to perform an MEP stimulation, which can be controlled from the setup screen. Using up and down control arrows 126 , the operator may set and/or change a time interval for receiving stimulation reminders. After each MEP monitoring episode, the system 10 will initiate a timer corresponding to the selected time interval and, when the time has elapsed, a stimulation reminder will be activated.
  • the stimulation reminder may include, by way of example only, any one of, or combination of, an audible tone, voice recording, screen flash, pop up window, scrolling message, or any other such alert to remind the operator to test MEP again.
  • FIGS. 23-24 depict exemplary screen displays for automatic mode of the MEP function, one with alpha-numeric information only ( FIG. 23 ) and one with alpha-numeric information along with optional EMG waveforms 116 ( FIG. 24 ).
  • a mode indicator tab 110 indicates that “MEP Automatic” is the selected mode.
  • Polarity of the stimulation signal may be manually selected using the plus (+) and minus ( ⁇ ) polarity tabs 152 .
  • MEP stimulation may be initiated by selecting the stimulation start button 142 labeled (by way of example only) “MEP Stim.”
  • a stimulation bar 112 graphically depicts the stimulation current level.
  • a channel window 144 is included for each EMG channel. The channel window 144 may display information including the channel number, myotome name, and associated spinal levels 164 .
  • Each channel window 144 may also display the baseline threshold, the most recent detected threshold value, and the difference between the two values.
  • the associated channel window 144 may preferably be highlighted with a predetermined color (e.g. red) to indicate the potential danger to the surgeon.
  • the stimulation results are displayed to the surgeon along with a color code so that the operator may easily comprehend the situation and avoid neurological impairment to the patient (e.g. red for “danger,” yellow for “caution” and green for “safe”).
  • a green channel window 144 corresponds to a stimulation threshold change, ⁇ I thresh , of less than 25 mA
  • a yellow window denotes a stimulation threshold change of between 25-150 mA
  • a red channel window 144 denotes a stimulation threshold change of greater than 150 mA.
  • Annotation buttons 146 allow the surgeon to quickly annotate a threshold response with useful information that may not be automatically detectable by the system 10 .
  • EMG sensitivity controls 148 and a Free-Run status control 150 are also provided on the screen.
  • a check mark displayed in the free-run status control 150 indicates that free-run EMG mode is activated.
  • the surgical system 10 continuously monitors EMG electrodes 18 for spontaneous nerve activity unless another mode, such as MEP, is active.
  • the surgical system 10 may automatically transition into free-run EMG monitoring, in which actual EMG waveforms are continuously displayed in real-time. In doing so, the user may be alerted to any nerve activity occurring unexpectedly.
  • An audio pick-up (not shown) may also be provided as an optional feature according to the present invention.
  • a nerve when stretched or compressed, it will emit a burst or train of spontaneous nerve activity.
  • the audio pick-up is capable of transmitting sounds representative of such activity such that the surgeon can monitor this response on audio to help him or her determine if there has been stress to the nerve.
  • the user In manual MEP mode, the user simply selects a stimulation current and the system 10 determines whether or not the selected current evokes a predetermined EMG response. The user may be alerted to a potential complication if no response is detected from an EMG channel that had previously responded to a stimulation signal of the same or lesser amplitude.
  • the user may determine for each channel a baseline stimulation current at which the stimulation signal evokes a response. Thereafter, the user may stimulate at each baseline and determine whether the corresponding channel still responds. Alternatively, a supramaximal current may be determined at which all channels show a response. Subsequent stimulations signals may be delivered at the same supramaximal current level and should continue to evoke a response. Subsequent absence of a response may be indicative of a problem with the spinal cord.
  • FIG. 25 shows, by way of example only, an exemplary setup screen for the MEP manual mode.
  • the operator may turn different EMG channels on or off, set the date and time, conduct an impedance test to check the electrical connection between the EMG electrodes and the patient's skin, shutdown the system 10 , and change one or more stimulation settings.
  • Up and down control arrows 126 may be selected to increase or decrease the maximum allowable stimulation current (I), the pulse width (W), the number of pulses per stimulation signal (N), the interpulse gap (G), and a stimulation reminder time interval.
  • the system 10 will initiate a series of stimulation signals and determine an optimum configuration of stimulation signal parameters to obtain the best MEP responses.
  • FIGS. 26-27 illustrate exemplary screen displays of “MEP Manual” mode, one with alpha-numeric information only ( FIG. 26 ) and one with alpha-numeric information along with optional EMG waveforms 116 ( FIG. 27 ).
  • a mode indicator tab 110 indicates that “MEP Manual” mode is selected.
  • An amplitude dial 153 is used to manually set the stimulation current. The amplitude setting may be increased or decreased in increments of 25 mA using the amplitude selection buttons 154 labeled (by way of example only) “+25” and “ ⁇ 25”. More precise amplitude selections may be made by sweeping the dial indicator 156 around the dial face 158 . The exact dial setting 160 is indicated in the center of the dial 153 .
  • Polarity controls 152 may be used to set the desired polarity of the stimulation signal.
  • MEP stimulation may be initiated at the selected current amplitude shown in the dial setting 160 by pressing the stimulation start button 142 labeled (by way of example only) “MEP Stim.”
  • the stimulation bar 112 graphically depicts the stimulation current level.
  • Each EMG channel includes a channel window 144 .
  • Information including the channel number, myotome name, and associated spinal levels 164 .
  • Stimulation results are displayed in the form of “Yes” or “No” responses (or equivalent indicia, such as a “check” mark for yes and an “X” for no) indicated in the appropriate channel windows 144 .
  • the baseline values may also be shown in the appropriate channel windows 144 .
  • Channel windows 144 indicating a “No” response are preferably colored red (denoted 166 ) to clearly indicate to the operator the lack of response suggesting a potential complication.
  • Channel windows indicating a “Yes” response are preferably colored green (denoted 170 ) to clearly indicate to the operator the presence of a response suggesting no potential problems.
  • Annotation buttons 146 allow the surgeon to quickly annotate a stimulation response with useful information that may not be automatically detectable by the system 10 .
  • EMG sensitivity controls 148 and a Free-Run status control 150 are also provided on the screen.
  • the surgical system 10 is capable of monitoring spinal cord health via any number of different manners using additional data from the MEP test.
  • the system 10 may monitor changes in amplitude of the EMG responses as an indicator of spinal cord health.
  • the system 10 may detect changes over time of the peak-to-peak voltage (i.e. amplitude of the EMG response) relative to a given stimulation signal current (shown in FIG. 28 ), which may be indicative of damage in spinal cord inhibiting signal transmission.
  • the system 10 may measure the V pp response corresponding to a stimulation using the constant current, I stim .
  • the system 10 may then compare the V pp of the present reading to a proceeding or baseline reading taken in response to a stimulation signal of the constant I stim .
  • the difference between the present V pp value and the prior V pp value may then be communicated via the onscreen display 26 .
  • “MEP Automatic” mode may be used initially to quickly determine a suitable I stim current. This may be accomplished by determining I thresh for each active channel using the multi-channel MEP threshold hunting algorithm. I stim may then preferably be selected with an amplitude slightly greater than the largest I thresh .
  • the surgical system 10 may also monitor spinal cord health by assessing the timing of the MEP response waveform.
  • MEP response waveforms are often complex polyphasic waves with several peaks.
  • a baseline stimulation signal amplitude may be determined at which a polyphasic response is consistently produced. Subsequent changes to a bi-phasic or tri-phasic waveform, as illustrated in FIG. 30 , in response to a stimulation signal of the same current may again be an indication of problems affecting the health of the spinal cord.
  • the surgical system 10 is capable of assessing the health of the spinal cord via SSEP monitoring.
  • the system performs SSEP monitoring by stimulating peripheral sensory nerves that exit the spinal cord below the level of surgery and measuring the electrical action potential from electrodes located on the nervous system tract superior to the surgical target site.
  • the neural electrical signal is then analyzed in relation to the stimulation pulse, resulting in quantitative information related to the health of the spinal cord, which is then conveyed to the surgeon via the display 26 .
  • SSEP stimulation may be conducted on the Posterior Tibial nerve with the electrical signal being recorded from any suitable location, including but not limited to the skin overlying the second cervical (C2) vertebrae or the skin of the scalp.
  • a pair of peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) electrodes 25 may be positioned on the skin above the Posterior Tibial nerve, located at the ankle, and recording electrodes 41 may be placed on the skin above the C2 vertebra.
  • the stimulation pulse is delivered by the patient module 14 , which is coupled to the PNS electrodes 25 via an accessory cable 30 .
  • SSEP stimulation and recording is discussed with respect to the Posterior Tibial nerve and C2 vertebra, it will be appreciated that SSEP stimulation may applied to any number of peripheral sensory nerves, including but not necessarily limited to the Ulnar and Median nerves in the wrist, as well as directly stimulating the spinal cord inferior to the expected level of potential damage.
  • the recording site may be located anywhere along the nervous system superior to the spinal level at risk during the procedure, including but not necessarily limited to any suitable location on the scalp.
  • an electrical pulse ascends from the nerve to the spinal cord and up into the brain. Damage in the spinal cord can disrupt transmission of the signal up the cord, resulting in a weakened or delayed signal at the recording site.
  • the surgical system 10 detects such disruptions by measuring the amplitude of the stimulation signal waveform when it reaches the recording site, as well as the latency period (time signal takes to travel from the stimulation site to the recording site).
  • the system 10 compares amplitude measurements to a previously recorded baseline amplitude or the preceding measurement, and the difference between them is viewed on the display 26 .
  • latency measurements are compared to a previously recorded baseline latency or the preceding measurement and the difference value is shown on the display 26 .
  • a decrease in amplitude or an increase in latency may alert the surgeon to damage in the spinal cord and corrective measures may be taken to avoid or mitigate such damage.
  • FIG. 31 is an exemplary illustration of an onscreen display for the SSEP mode.
  • a mode indicator tab 110 indicates that SSEP is the selected mode.
  • An amplitude dial 153 is used to set the stimulation current. The amplitude setting may be increased or decreased in increments of 5 mA using the amplitude selection buttons 154 labeled (by way of example only) “+5” and “ ⁇ 5”. More precise amplitude selections may be made by sweeping the dial indicator 156 around the dial face 158 . The precise dial setting 160 is indicated in the center of the dial 153 .
  • Polarity controls 152 may be used to set the desired polarity of the stimulation signal.
  • the SSEP information communicated to the user in the window 170 may relate to the changes in latency and amplitude between baseline values and the present reading or test.
  • the latency information includes baseline (15 ⁇ s), present reading (19 ⁇ s), and difference (4 ⁇ s)
  • the amplitude information includes baseline (12 ⁇ v), present reading (11 ⁇ v), difference (1 ⁇ v), and the percentage change (8%). This information may be interpreted as being indicative of a problem with the neural pathways being tested.
  • FIG. 32 depicts, by way of example only, a setup screen for SSEP. Using this screen, the operator may change the stimulation current level using up and down control arrows 126 , set the date and time, conduct an impedance test to check the electrical connection between the recording electrodes and the patients skin, and shutdown the system 10 .
  • the surgical system 10 may conduct other nerve monitoring functions, including but not necessarily limited to, neuromuscular pathway assessments to ensure that muscle relaxants, paralytic agents, and/or anesthetics are no longer affecting the neuromuscular pathway (Twitch Test), bone integrity testing (e.g. Pedicle Screw Test), nerve proximity testing (Detection), and nerve pathology monitoring (Nerve Root Retraction).
  • neuromuscular pathway assessments to ensure that muscle relaxants, paralytic agents, and/or anesthetics are no longer affecting the neuromuscular pathway
  • bone integrity testing e.g. Pedicle Screw Test
  • nerve proximity testing Detection
  • nerve pathology monitoring Ne Root Retraction
  • the system 10 conducts nerve monitoring functions by electrically stimulating a nerve via one or more stimulation electrodes positioned on the surgical accessories 32 , monitoring the corresponding muscle response of muscles innervated by the nerve, and analyzing the muscle response in relation to the stimulation signal to determine one of neuromuscular pathway function, bone integrity, nerve proximity, and nerve pathology.
  • EMG monitoring may be conducted on the same muscle groups monitored for the MEP function, as illustrated above in Tables 2, 3, 4. In this manner, the EMG electrodes 18 need be placed only one time, prior to or at the beginning of the surgery, and may be used to monitor EMG responses for all the various functions of the system 10 .
  • the surgical system 10 performs neuromuscular pathway (NMP) assessments (Twitch Test) by electrically stimulating a peripheral nerve via PNS electrodes 25 placed on the skin over the nerve or by direct stimulation of a spinal nerve using a surgical accessory such as balled-tipped test probe 36 . Evoked responses from the muscles innervated by the stimulated nerve are detected and recorded, the results of which are analyzed and a relationship between at least two responses or a stimulation signal and a response is identified. The identified relationship provides an indication of the current state of the NMP. The identified relationship may include, but is not necessarily limited to, one or more of magnitude ratios between multiple evoked responses and the presence or absence of an evoked response relative to a given stimulation signal or signals. Details of the test indicating the state of the NMP and the relative safety of continuing on with nerve testing are conveyed to the surgeon via the screen display 26 .
  • NMP neuromuscular pathway
  • the surgical system 10 may test the integrity of pedicle holes (during and/or after formation) and/or screws (during and/or after introduction).
  • the screw test probe 36 is placed in the screw hole prior to screw insertion or placed on the installed screw head and a stimulation signal is applied.
  • the insulating character of bone will prevent the stimulation current, up to a certain amplitude, from communicating with the nerve, thus resulting in a relatively high I thresh , as determined via the basic threshold hunting algorithm described above.
  • the current density in the breach area will increase to the point that the stimulation current will pass through to the adjacent nerve roots and they will depolarize at a lower stimulation current, thus I thresh will be relatively low.
  • screw test probe 36 may be replaced with an electric coupling device 42 , 52 which may be utilized to couple a surgical tool, such as for example, a tap member 72 or a bone awl 74 , to the surgical system 10 .
  • a surgical tool such as for example, a tap member 72 or a bone awl 74
  • a stimulation signal may be passed through the surgical tool and screw testing can be performed while the tool is in use.
  • screw testing may be performed during pilot hole formation by coupling the bone awl 74 to the surgical system 10 and during pilot hole preparation by coupling the tap 72 to the system 10 .
  • a pedicle screw to the surgical system 10 (such as via pedicle screw instrumentation)
  • screw testing may be performed during screw introduction.
  • the surgical system 10 may perform nerve proximity testing (Detection) to ensure safe and reproducible access to surgical target sites.
  • Detection nerve proximity testing
  • the system 10 detects the existence of neural structures before, during, and after the establishment of an operative corridor through (or near) any of a variety of tissues having such neural structures which, if contacted or impinged, may otherwise result in neural impairment for the patient.
  • the surgical access components 62 - 66 are designed to bluntly dissect the tissue between the patient's skin and the surgical target site.
  • Cannulae or dilators of increasing diameter, which are equipped with one or more stimulating electrodes, are advanced towards the target site until a sufficient operating corridor is established.
  • I stim stimulation current required to evoke a muscle response
  • I thresh is calculated, using the basic threshold hunting algorithm described above, providing a measure of the communication between the stimulation signal and the nerve and thus giving a relative indication of the proximity between access components and nerves.
  • tissue retraction assembly 70 may be coupled to the system 10 and employed to provide safe and reproducible access to a surgical target site.
  • Tissue retraction assembly 70 and various embodiments and uses thereof have been shown and described in the above referenced co-pending and commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/967,668, entitled “Surgical Access System and Related Methods,” filed on Oct. 18, 2004, the entire contents of which are expressly incorporated by reference as if set forth herein in their entirety.
  • the surgical system 10 preferably accomplishes neural pathology monitoring via the Nerve Retractor function, specifically by determining a baseline stimulation threshold with direct contact between the nerve retractor 76 and the nerve, prior to retraction. Subsequent stimulation thresholds are determined during retraction and they are compared to the baseline threshold. Significant changes in the stimulation threshold may indicate potential trauma to the nerve caused by the retraction and are displayed to the user on the display 26 . An increase in I thresh over time is an indication that the nerve function is deteriorating and retraction should be reduced or stopped altogether to prevent permanent damage.
  • the stimulation results may be compiled in a surgical report chronicling all nerve monitoring functions conducted during the procedure.
  • the report may be printed immediately from one or more printers located in the operating room or copied to any of a variety of memory devices known in the prior art, such as, by way of example only, a floppy disk, or USB memory device.
  • the system 10 may generate either a full report or a summary report depending the particular needs of the user, who may select one or both using the GUI screen display 26 , as illustrated in FIG. 34 .
  • FIGS. 35A-35C are an exemplary representation of a summary report generated by system 10 .
  • the summary report includes space for patient, physician, and procedural information and surgeon operative notes along with the stimulation results.
  • FIGS. 36A-36E are an exemplary representation of a full report generated by the system 10 .
  • the full report also includes space for patient and physician information and surgeon operative notes.
  • the full stimulation results are displayed in chronological order regardless of the particular function.
  • the control unit 12 is configured to monitor the system status throughout its use. In the event the control unit 12 detects an aberration an error log is created in which the details of the error are described and stored to assist in later troubleshooting and system correction.
  • the error logs may be accessed directly from the control unit 12 hardware and software.
  • error logs may be downloaded onto any of a number of suitable media to facilitate data transfer between remote locations.
  • the error logs may be downloaded to a USB memory device, floppy disk, CD, or DVD.
  • the error logs may be downloaded onto a network and transmitted to remote locations via the Internet or other data transfer systems.
  • the nerve pathology monitoring function described above may be employed for the purpose of monitoring the change, if any, in peripheral nerves during the course of the procedure. This may be accomplished by positioning additional stimulation electrodes anywhere on a surgical accessory that is likely to come in contact with a peripheral nerve during a surgical procedure. Recruitment curves or other data can be generated and assessed in the same fashion described above.
  • the present invention may be implemented using any combination of computer programming software, firmware or hardware.
  • the computer programming code (whether software or firmware) according to the invention will typically be stored in one or more machine readable storage mediums such as fixed (hard) drives, diskettes, optical disks, magnetic tape, semiconductor memories such as ROMs, PROMs, etc., thereby making an article of manufacture in accordance with the invention.
  • the article of manufacture containing the computer programming code is used by either executing the code directly from the storage device, by copying the code from the storage device into another storage device such as a hard disk, RAM, etc. or by transmitting the code on a network for remote execution.
  • a hard disk such as a hard disk, RAM, etc.

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