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Use of a disposable electrode for recurrent laryngeal nerve monitoring

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

V. Srinivasan*
Affiliation:
Department of ENT Surgery, James Paget Hospital, Great Yarmouth, U.K.
D. J. Premachandra
Affiliation:
Department of ENT Surgery, James Paget Hospital, Great Yarmouth, U.K.
*
Address for correspondence: V. Srinivasan, Department of ENT and Head and Neck Surgery, Leighton Hospital, Crewe CF1 4QJ. Fax: 01270 252611 Email: 106020.1256@compuserve.com

Abstract

Our experience with a non-invasive, disposable electrode for intra-operative identification and monitoring of the recurrent laryngeal nerve is described. The electrode system, while simply attached to the endotracheal tube, acts as a laryngeal surface electrode and detects electromyographic activity of the intrinsic laryngeal muscles when the recurrent laryngeal nerve is stimulated. We have successfully used this electrode to monitor 19 recurrent laryngeal nerves in 15 patients who have undergone partial or total thyroidectomy. We feel that this device can be useful particularly in cases of re-exploration and malignancies of the thyroid gland.

Type
Short Communication
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1998

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