title: Motor evoked potentials in thoracoabdominal aortic surgery: PRO.
abstract: Paraplegia is one of the most severe complications of the repair of open descending thoracic aortic aneurysms and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms. To reduce these complications, a comprehensive strategy for spinal cord protection is mandatory. Motor evoked potentials provide the surgeon with important information about spinal cord integrity throughout the operation. Neuroprotective measures include extracorporeal circulation, cerebrospinal fluid drainage, hypothermia, and selective segmental artery revascularization.
authors.affiliation: Department of Vascular Surgery, European Vascular Center Aachen-Maastricht, University Hospital of the Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule-University Aachen, Pauwelsstrasse 30, Aachen 52074, Germany.
authors.forename: T A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Koeppel
authors.forename: W H
authors.initials: WH
authors.lastname: Mess
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Jacobs
mesh_terms: D001014:Aortic Aneurysm / Q000601:surgery*; D019054:Evoked Potentials, Motor / Q000502:physiology*; D005112:Extracorporeal Circulation / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D016343:Monitoring, Intraoperative; D010264:Paraplegia / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D012307:Risk Factors; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000098:blood supply / Q000503:physiopathology; D020760:Spinal Cord Ischemia / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014656:Vascular Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects*