Neuroanesthesia Guidelines for Optimizing Transcranial Motor Evoked Potentials Neuromonitoring During Deformity and Complex Spinal Surgery: A Delphi Consensus Study

INTRODUCTION Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring of transcranial motor evoked potentials (MEPs) provides the most reliable method for assessing spinal cord functional integrity during deformity and other complex spinal surgeries. MEPs are affected by pharmacological and physiological parameters. It is the responsibility of the spine surgeon and neuroanesthesia team to understand how they can best maintain high quality MEP signals throughout surgery. Nevertheless, varying approaches to neuroanesthesia are seen in clinical practice. METHODS We identified 19 international spinal deformity expert teams for participation in our study. A modified Delphi process utilizing 2 rounds of surveying was performed. Greater than 50% and 75% agreement on the final statements was considered achieving “agreement” and “consensus,” respectively. RESULTS Anesthesia regimens and protocols were obtained from the expert centers. A large amount of variability in these centers was witnessed. Two rounds of consensus surveying were then performed, and all centers participated in both rounds of the surveying. Consensus was obtained in 12 of 15 statements and majority agreement in 2 of the remaining. Agreement on specific safe neuroanesthesia practices in the setting of MEP monitoring was obtained. Total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) was identified as the optimal method of maintenance with few centers allowing for low MAC concentrations of inhaled anesthetic. While no strict cutoff values of propofol concentrations or opioid doses were identified, most centers advocated for less than 150 mcg/kg/min of propofol with titration to the lowest dose that maintains appropriate anesthesia depth based on bispectral index or electroencephalography awareness monitoring. Utilization of adjuvant intravenous anesthetics, including ketamine and lidocaine, may help to reduce propofol and opioid requirements without negatively impacting MEP signals. Low-dose dexmedetomidine was also routinely used with the same purpose, but with knowledge that higher doses may be suppressive. Maintenance of blood pressure parameters near the patient's preoperative baseline or with mean arterial pressure greater than 80 mmHg ensures appropriate spinal cord perfusion and prevents loss of MEPs. CONCLUSION Spine surgeons and their neuroanesthesia teams should be familiar with the methods for optimizing IOM of MEPs during deformity and complex spinal cases. While variability in practices exist, consensus exists among international deformity centers regarding best practices.