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Updated: Sep 28, 2026

Intra-Operative Neural Monitoring of Thyroid Surgery in a Porcine Model
Published on: February 11, 2019
Temporary cardiac asystolia induced by intraoperative irritation of the eighth right sided anterior cervical nerve
1Department of Neurosurgery, Bergmannstrost Hospital, Merseburgerstrasse 165, 06112 Halle/Saale, Germany.
Background:
The 60 year old women with no prior history of arrhythmia or other cardiac symptoms was operated on for a cervical disc herniation at the level C7/D1. The C8 nerve root was visualized via a posterior approach.
Findings:
Removal of the sequestrum and irritation of the anterior root with surgical instruments triggered cardiac arrest.
Interpretation:
We offer the opinion that irritation of the anterior root led to diminished activity of the supraspinal sympathetic control system and consecutive hyper-activation of the parasympathetic system.
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