Skull Base 1991; 1(2): 127-131
DOI: 10.1055/s-2008-1056993
Original Articles

© 1991 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 381 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10016

Continuous Electrical Stimulation as a Helpful Adjunct During Intraoperative Facial Nerve Monitoring

Herbert Silverstein, David W. White
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
03 March 2008 (online)

Abstract

Routine intraoperative monitoring of facial function has been used since 1985. An adaptor has been developed for continuous stimulation (SACS) to be used with the new WR-S8, Monitor/Stimulation The SACS allows the microsurgical instruments and air drills to be electrified and to function as probe tips during surgical dissection. The new WR-S8 Monitor/Stimulator has an ultrasensitive strain gauge that detects facial movement before it is palpable. The remote probe allows an assistant to adjust the current easily. The routine use of facial nerve monitoring with SACS has decreased surgical time, has helped prevent iatrogenic injuries, and has improved our ability to save the facial nerve during otologic and neuro-otologic surgery.