Phenomenology of neurophysiologic changes during surgical treatment of carotid stenosis using signal analysis

Objective: To describe the changes in the shape and topology of the somatosensory evoked potential (SSEP) during carotid endarterectomy, with particular reference to the time of clamping.

Methods: Routine intraoperative monitoring was performed on 30 patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy (15) or undergoing stenting (15) using median nerve SSEPs. Post-operatively the first and second derivatives of the potential were examined. Separate analysis of the SSEP using wavelets was also performed.

Results: In no instances did changes in the SSEP reach clinical significance. The first derivative showed significant changes that were temporally related to the clamp period. After clamping the 'velocity' was higher than baseline. There were changes in the wavelets related to the clamp period with more marked spectral edges at the conclusion of the procedure than baseline. In all instances the patient had a good clinical outcome.

Conclusions: Wavelet and derivative analysis of evoked potentials show changes that are not apparent with measures of amplitude and latency. The clinical relevance of these changes remains uncertain and await larger studies.

Significance: Increased velocity and spectral edges may be markers of increased cerebral blood flow, at least in the setting of pre-existing carotid stenosis.