A new integrated system for neural stimulation and bipolar coagulation: preliminary study.

CONCLUSION: The proposed device can be useful for promoting safety during bipolar coagulation in many surgical procedures and/or regions.

OBJECTIVE: A new system that integrates a neural stimulator and a bipolar coagulator is proposed, to improve neural (facial nerve) safety during ENT surgical procedures. This study aimed to evaluate the system.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A home-made constant current neural stimulator (0.1-2 mA, pulsed, duration 200 micros), was connected via an automatic switch to a commercial bipolar microcoagulator (Medicon Instrumente mod. 101, Germany). Under general anesthesia, the extra-petrous portion of the facial nerve was identified in three rabbits. The adequate functioning of the device was tested via: 1) neural stimulation and EMG monitoring in basal conditions; 2) bipolar coagulation of connective tissue surrounding the facial nerve; 3) final assessment of the functional integrity of the nerve, via an intraoperative EMG and a postoperative evaluation.

RESULTS: Data obtained from all three rabbits provided adequate results in terms of neural stimulation, correct coagulation of juxta-nervous tissue, and functional integrity of the facial nerve, both intraoperatively and postoperatively.