Intraoperative protection of the facial nerve by automated categorisation of EMG-activity

Background: In intraoperative monitoring of the facial nerve during vestibular schwannoma surgery, the A-train is of paramount importance. This specific, rhythmic high-frequency pattern allows prognostic statements concerning postoperative facial nerve function; a statistic correlation of high significance between the amount of A-trains and the postoperative degree of functional impairment was demonstrated. However, false positive and false negative results still limit reliable application of the technique in individual cases. Methods: The project presented is based on a system developed for fully automated intr…