Intraoperative Neurophysiologic Mapping and Monitoring - A State of the Art Approach

2023 Course Overview

Information for the 2024 course is not yet available.

Intraoperative neurophysiologic mapping and monitoring (IONM) procedures are increasingly popular techniques that help prevent neurologic deficit during diverse surgeries. Mapping techniques identify and thus help preserve functionally viable neural tissue. Monitoring procedures can detect early, reversible neurophysiologic dysfunction and guide changes in the surgical and/or anesthesia management, towards avoidance of permanent injury. The preventive value of intraoperative neurophysiology not only improves patient care but can also significantly reduce health care costs associated with poor postoperative neurologic outcomes such as loss of motor function. It is increasingly being utilized to safely perform high risk and complex surgical procedures.

At the same time, learning intraoperative neurophysiology presents unique challenges. Acquiring expertise in this field requires a solid foundation in neurophysiology coupled with the ability to promptly and reliably interpret live recordings during surgical procedures. This can be achieved through an understanding of the technical aspects of the neurophysiological methods, of the critical surgical steps involved and effects of anesthesia on neurophysiologic recordings. It is vital that the IONM expert develops the necessary situational awareness that allows consideration of all these factors in interpretation of data. Finally, developing and ensuring timely communication of the neurophysiological findings to the multidisciplinary team is crucial to a safe and successful completion of the surgical procedure. 

WHY THIS COURSE ? 

• This is a comprehensive four-day course during which we will use three different formats for teaching: 1-lectures (PowerPoint presentations), 2- interactive discussions based on video case presentations integrating the surgical and anesthesia management with live neurophysiologic recordings and 3- hands on workshops. The topics will be categorized under six main sections: Brain, Brainstem/Skull base, Spinal Cord, Peripheral Nervous System, Pediatric Monitoring. and Anesthesia. Each section will contain presentations, interactive discussions, videos on surgical and neurophysiologic techniques and the respective workshops. Exclusive attendance to the workshops is also available. 
• It meets an unmet need in this field by offering a novel approach to teaching up-to-date intraoperative neurophysiology. It will be unique in its emphasis on experiential learning and will leverage highly visual, interactive, simulation-based methods integrated with a multidisciplinary approach to the care of surgical patients. It will link the technical aspects of these procedures with the interpretation of neurophysiologic studies, taking into account multiple confounding factors.  
• While both neuromonitoring and mapping techniques will be discussed in detail, the course will deliver an abundance of information and practical tips on brain, brainstem and spinal cord mapping, stemming from a well rooted tradition and experience with these procedures in our local community. 
• It will fill in existing gaps in knowledge in pediatric neuromonitoring and mapping, by presenting adaptations of neurophysiological methods and specifics of their interpretation in children.  

Who Should Attend

• Intraoperative Neurophysiologists
• Clinical Neurophysiologists 
• IONM technologists 
• Neurologists
• Surgeons: Neurosurgeons, Orthopaedic surgeons, Vascular surgeons, Cardiac surgeons, ENT surgeons
• Anesthesiologists 

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this activity, participants will be able to:

• Plan a multimodality neurophysiologic procedure, customized to each case needs. 

• Possess the necessary technical skills for performance of reliable procedures. 

• Accurately Interpret the most complex recordings to be encountered during these procedures via interactive case scenarios.

• Integrate live intraoperative neurophysiologic recordings within the surgical and anesthesia context.

• Efficiently communicate with the multidisciplinary team. 

• Independently and confidently perform mapping procedures.

• Adapt technical set up for and accurately interpret intraoperative pediatric neurophysiologic recordings.