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PATIENT INFORMATION
What is Intraoperative Monitoring (IOM) and What to Expect
IOM is becoming the standard of care for many surgeries, including Spine, Brain, Orthopedic, Vascular, and many others. Anytime your surgeon is operating close to your extremely sensitive nerves, your body is at risk. When your physician requests to use IOM, the surgeon will receive real time data during the course of the surgery to help minimize the potential surgical injury.
Prior to Surgery
What an Intraoperative Monitoring Patient can expect prior to surgery
Prior to your surgery you certified IOM technician will sit with you to answer any questions and sign the appropriate forms to confirm your consent for IOM services. These forms will also include authorization of payment from your insurance company.
During Surgery
What to expect once anesthesia is administered to you as a patient
Once anesthesia has been administered, the IOM technician will apply a series of subdermal electodes and surface electrodes to strategic parts of your body depending on the type of surgery you are having. The data captured on these electrodes from your nervous system is used by your neurologist and surgeon to ensure the safety of your surgery.
After Surgery
What to expect once surgery is completed and you are home safely
When your surgery is completed, a report will be generated and be added to your medical record. There is minimal risk associated with IOM, but you may have some soreness where the subdermal electrodes were placed.