A Look at Intraoperative Neuromonitoring: Gauging the Benefits and Challenges of Delivering Optimal Services
September 26, 2019
Axis Neuromonitoring provides high quality intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM). During spinal, brain, vascular, ENT and peripheral surgeries, by monitoring the integrity of nerves and neurological responses along neural pathways, helping surgeons identify and protect neural structures. Axis Neuromonitoring maintains a professional, experienced staff focused on avoiding obstacles and anticipating problems. Axis values the relationships they have fostered with hospitals and surgeons and respect the trust they have placed in them to see the job done correctly every time. Axis "Patient First" mentality means that patients can expect a dependable, dedicated team that will serve their needs with integrity, accountability, and respect. Axis wants to be known for our outstanding service and knowledge.
Axis Neuromonitoring was featured in the following Neurosurgery Market Watch article, which is reprinted in part below, with permission.
Neurosurgery Market Watch
VOLUME 9 NUMBER 2 SUMMER 2019
By Bonnie Darves
In neurosurgery cases where it’s used efficiently and effectively, intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) has proved a valuable tool in identifying nervous-system risks and potential complications and improving patient safety and outcomes in complex procedures. Yet, it remains a somewhat misunderstood field and the practice’s uptake in neurosurgery generally has been steady but relatively slow.
One factor is workforce constraints. There are fewer than 200 ABNM diplomates today worldwide; and there is a persistent shortage of certified, qualified technicians, and a limited number of high-quality training programs.
“We simply don’t have enough neurophysiologists or technicians,” said Faisal Jahangiri, MD, CNIM, an ABNM diplomate who is vice president of clinical affairs for Axis Neuromonitoring LLC in Richardson, Texas. “Fifty percent of states don’t have a single ABNM diplomate, for example.”
Dr. Jahangiri and Dr. Vogel concur on another impediment: that solid literature on intraoperative neuromonitoring’s efficacy is lagging its usage.
Another impediment to broader use, in Dr. Jahangiri’s view, is a perception that intraoperative neuromonitoring will interfere with OR processes and operations. “There’s a concern among some neurosurgeons, especially those nearing retirement, that using neuromonitoring will add time or slow them down in the OR. But when it’s done properly, it really isn’t more time consuming,” said Dr. Jahangiri, president-elect of the American Society of Neurophysiological Monitoring and author of “Surgical Neurophysiology: A Reference Guide to Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring.”
“When they get used to intraoperative neuromonitoring, they understand its benefits.”
Axis Neuromonitoring, which provides services to Texas hospitals, employs technicians (all of whom have CNIM (Certification for Neurophysiological Monitoring) and have completed at least 150 surgeries. Axis uses offsite dedicated telemonitoring physicians. The company also provides and requires extensive continuing education (40 to 50 hours annually) for technicians and performs technician QA analysis on each case.
For the full article please go to: http://harlequinna.com/hr/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/19-HR-Newsletter-v9-i2-LR.pdf
Resources
American Society of Neurophysiological Monitoring (https://www.asnm.org/page/Leadership) American Neurodiagnostic Society - ASET (https://www.aset.org)
Examining bodies:
ABRET (https://www.abret.org) ABNM (http://abnm.info)
Certifications:
R.EPT - https://www.abret.org/candidates/credentials/ep/ CNIM - https://www.abret.org/candidates/credentials/cnim/
NASS intraoperative neuromonitoring podcast: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/anchor- podcasts/the-nass-podcast
http://harlequinna.com/hr/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/19-HR-Newsletter-v9-i2-LR.pdf
