The field of intraoperative monitoring, which is also called intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM), has been booming. The number of private companies that work in the IONM field has increased dramatically. As part of that growth, there have been issues with oversight of the doctors and technologists involved.
The responsibilities of intraoperative monitoring technicians is to interpret data from the patient’s nervous system in real-time as it occurs during surgery. If there is a problem, the technician must notify the surgeon immediately. The technician must also monitor the equipment to ensure that it is properly functioning. Currently, there is no standard that exists for credentialing technicians and doctors that work in the field of IONM. As a result, hospitals normally create their own criteria and standards.
If you are harmed during your surgery that was being monitored by an IONM technician, you may be able to sue for medical malpractice. In order to do that, you should speak with an attorney. Medical malpractice cases are complex, particularly cases involving IONM. Your attorney can help obtain your medical records related to the surgery and the monitoring, and can help ensure that those records are complete. Your attorney can then work with medical professionals who can help evaluate if there was a breakdown in communication between the technician and the doctor, if there was a problem with the equipment, or if there were other problems.
If you have been harmed during a surgical procedure that was being monitored using intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring, you should speak with an attorney. Call me, Conal Doyle, IONM attorney at 310-385-0567. I have experience in IONM malpractice cases and I can help. Call today to learn more or to schedule a free consultation.