Continuous monitoring APS electrode

WHY USE CONTINUOUS INTRAOPERATIVE NERVE MONITORING?

View a short video of how this APS^® Electrode works.

Injury to the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) is one of the most serious complications of thyroid surgery. Yet research shows the rate of RLN damage is underestimated.

In between stimulations, nerves can be at risk due to surgical incision, "blind" trauma caused by stretching or manipulation during tumor/thyroid removal, and cumulative trauma or damage that may result in neuropraxia.

Used with the NIM^® 3.0, the APS (Automatic Periodic Stimulation) Electrode enables early detection and warning of a change in nerve function. This allows the surgeon to take immediate corrective action to prevent potential injury. The APS Electrode is placed on the vagus nerve and delivers continuous low-level stimulation. A baseline of nerve function is obtained and subsequent EMG responses are monitored and charted in real time to provide feedback.

http://video.medtronic.com/hcp/ent-aps-video.mp4

http://www.medtronic.com/us-en/healthcare-professionals/products/ear-nose-throat/nerve-monitoring/nim-nerve-monitoring-systems/related-nerve-monitoring-products.html