C2 Xplore® for Intermittent and Continuous Laryngeal Nerve Monitoring: Technical Note

Abstract

Due to the direct anatomical relationship between the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) and the thyroid gland, the function and anatomical integrity of the RLN is fundamentally at risk in every thyroid operation. While a RLN morbidity rate of less than 5% is achieved in specialized clinics, the morbidity rates are significantly higher in non-specialized centers. Thus, the aim is to reduce the complication rate by establishing standardized interventions. Exact knowledge of the anatomical course of the RLN, the nerve-sparing dissection technique and the supportive use of intraoperative neuro-monitoring (IONM) to identify anatomical variations are the basis for nerve-sparing surgery. We tested the new C2 Xplore® system (inomed Medizintechnik GmbH, Emmendingen, Germany) as a tool for performing intermittent and continuous laryngeal nerve monitoring during thyroid surgery. The C2 Xplore® helps to enhance surgeon-IONM interaction, and provides comprehensive digital EMG documentation with EMG quantification. EMG artifacts are removed. Image quality and EMG feedback are highly acceptable for intraoperative monitoring. The C2 Xplore® system does not have a deleterious impact on the proper function of other surgical instruments. C2 Xplore® is effective for intraoperative monitoring, optimizing RLN dissection, and supporting surgical deliberations, and for forensic use and research. A step-by-step C2 Xplore® procedure is described.