Motor evoked potentials in thoracoabdominal aortic surgery: PRO.

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. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.