0000000000674483
AUTHOR
Celine Wegner
Transcutaneous sacral nerve stimulation for intraoperative verification of internal anal sphincter innervation.
Background: The current standard for pelvic intraoperative neuromonitoring (pIONM) is based on intermittent direct nerve stimulation. This study investigated the potential use of transcutaneous sacral nerve stimulation for non‐invasive verification of pelvic autonomic nerves. Methods: A consecutive series of six pigs underwent low anterior rectal resection. For transcutaneous sacral nerve stimulation, an array of ten electrodes (cathodes) was placed over the sacral foramina (S2 to S4). Anodes were applied on the back, right and left thigh, lower abdomen, and intra‐anally. Stimulation using the novel method and current standard were performed at different phases of the experiment…
Extracorporeal Stimulation of Sacral Nerve Roots for Observation of Pelvic Autonomic Nerve Integrity: Description of a Novel Methodological Setup.
Introduction: Neurophysiologic monitoring can improve autonomic nerve sparing during critical phases of rectal cancer surgery. Objectives: To develop a system for extracorporeal stimulation of sacral nerve roots. Methods: Dedicated software controlled a ten-electrode stimulation array by switching between different electrode configurations and current levels. A built-in impedance and current level measurement assessed the effectiveness of current injection. Intra-anal surface electromyography (sEMG) informed on targeting the sacral nerve roots. All tests were performed on five pig specimens. Results: During switching between electrode configurations, the system delivered 100% of the set cur…
Postprocessing algorithm for automated analysis of pelvic intraoperative neuromonitoring signals
Abstract Two dimensional pelvic intraoperative neuromonitoring (pIONM®) is based on electric stimulation of autonomic nerves under observation of electromyography of internal anal sphincter (IAS) and manometry of urinary bladder. The method provides nerve identification and verification of its’ functional integrity. Currently pIONM® is gaining increased attention in times where preservation of function is becoming more and more important. Ongoing technical and methodological developments in experimental and clinical settings require further analysis of the obtained signals. This work describes a postprocessing algorithm for pIONM® signals, developed for automated analysis of huge amount of …