Neuroanesthesia. Innovative techniques and monitoring

Advances in neuromonitoring have provided insights into neurologic function during anesthesia. Despite the limitations and necessary caution when using intraoperative monitors to interpret neural function, these technologies have been definite steps in the right direction for assessing neural integrity and level of consciousness during anesthesia. The techniques discussed minimize the adverse sequelae of a variety of neurosurgical and orthopedic procedures, reducing the morbidity rates/risks in the perioperative period. Furthermore, it is likely that such monitoring will become a standard of care, similar to other monitoring standards such as pulse oximetry and capnography. Accurate and reliable monitoring is essential, and on-going large prospective studies comparing the processed EEG or evoked potential with definable end points in both adult and pediatric populations will be necessary. The use of monitoring, such as the BIS, may improve cost efficiency by reducing the total amount of drug used to maintain anesthesia, as well as enhance recovery. A danger in this process, however, is the potential for public opinion, outside regulatory bodies, or medico-legal implications to drive change and enforce standards of care before appropriate data are available.