Where should SSEP stimulation electrodes not be placed?

The placement of SSEP (Somatosensory Evoked Potential) stimulation electrodes is critical for obtaining accurate monitoring data during intraoperative procedures. Electrode placement near catheters leading into the heart or great vessels is not advisable due to the potential for interference with the electrical signals being recorded. These catheters can produce artifacts or distort the SSEP signals, leading to unreliable readings.

When placing SSEP electrodes, it is essential to ensure that they do not introduce extraneous noise into the system. Disturbances caused by nearby intravascular devices can affect the quality of the data collected, compromising the monitoring of sensory pathways during surgery. Maintaining a proper distance from such devices helps ensure that SSEP stimulation yields clear, interpretable results that reflect the patient’s neurological status accurately.

The other options involve more conventional practices in electrode placement that do not pose significant risks to data integrity.