Evaluation of sciatic nerve function after ultrasonic and electrocautery muscle dissection: an electromyographic
Katsumasa Tanimoto1, Basma Khoury1, Ke Feng1
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, United States.
Summary
Ultrasonic blades are safer for muscle dissection near nerves than electrocautery devices. Electrocautery caused significant motor nerve injury, while ultrasonic devices maintained motor nerve function.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Innovation
- Neurophysiology
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
Background:
- Minimally invasive surgery utilizes innovative tools like ultrasonic (US) blades as an alternative to conventional electrocautery (EC).
- Evaluating the impact of surgical devices on motor nerve function during muscle dissection is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effects of EC and US devices on motor nerve function during muscle dissection near peripheral nerves.
- To compare the safety of US blades versus EC devices for procedures close to the sciatic nerve.
Main Methods:
- 24 rats were divided into Control, EC, and US groups.
- Compound muscle action potentials (CMAPs) were recorded from the gastrocnemius muscle after sciatic nerve stimulation.
- Muscle dissection was performed 2mm from the sciatic nerve using either EC or US devices, with CMAP amplitude and latency monitored for 3 hours.
Main Results:
- Electrocautery (EC) caused a significant drop in CMAP amplitude with no recovery.
- Ultrasonic (US) devices maintained stable CMAP amplitude, similar to the control group.
- No significant changes in CMAP latency were observed across all groups.
Conclusions:
- Electrocautery devices can injure motor units in peripheral nerves.
- Ultrasonic devices appear to be a safe option for muscle dissection near peripheral nerves.
