Neuromonitoring system, processing device, and computer program

Abstract

To enhance a support performance of neural monitoring in a perioperative period.SOLUTION: A stimulation device 11 generates a stimulation signal ST corresponding to a stimulation to be applied to a subject 20. A processing device 12 acquires a waveform WF corresponding to the change with time of the evoked potential of the subject 20 based on the stimulus, and displays an index mark showing any of a plurality of colors on a display 13 on the basis of an amplification value A of the waveform WF acquired based on a predetermined rule and an amplification change rate which is a ratio of the amplification value A to a reference amplification value A0 of a reference waveform FR.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a system for supporting perioperative neuromonitoring, a processing device included in the system, and a computer program executable by a processor installed in the processing device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a system for supporting neuromonitoring during the perioperative period of surgical procedures. A waveform corresponding to the time-dependent change in a subject's motor evoked potentials due to stimulation is acquired. An indicator of one of several colors is displayed on a display device based on the rate of change in the amplitude of the waveform relative to the amplitude of a reference waveform. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2017-503620 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] There is a need to improve the supportability of neuromonitoring during the perioperative period. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] One example aspect provided by the present disclosure is a neuromonitoring system, comprising: a stimulation device that generates a stimulation signal corresponding to a stimulus to be applied to the subject; a processing device that acquires a waveform corresponding to a time-dependent change in the evoked potential of the subject based on the stimulation, and displays an index that exhibits one of a plurality of colors on a display device based on an amplitude value of the waveform acquired based on a predetermined rule and an amplitude change rate that is a ratio of the amplitude value to the amplitude value of a reference waveform; It is equipped with:

[0006] One example aspect provided by the present disclosure is a processing device, comprising: an interface that receives a detection signal corresponding to the subject's evoked potential; a processor that acquires a waveform corresponding to a time-dependent change in the evoked potential based on a stimulus, and displays an index that exhibits one of a plurality of colors on a display device based on an amplitude value of the waveform acquired based on a predetermined rule and an amplitude change rate that is a ratio of the amplitude value to the amplitude value of a reference waveform; It is equipped with:

[0007] One example of an aspect provided by the present disclosure is a computer program executable by a processor installed in a processing device, When executed, the processing device: obtaining a waveform corresponding to the time-dependent change in the subject's evoked potential based on the stimulation; An indicator exhibiting one of a plurality of colors is displayed on a display device based on the amplitude value of the waveform obtained based on a predetermined rule and the amplitude change rate, which is the ratio of the amplitude value to the amplitude value of a reference waveform.

[0008] According to the configurations of the above-described embodiments, by introducing the amplitude value of the waveform in addition to the rate of change in amplitude of the waveform relative to the reference waveform as an evaluation item for the evoked potential, it is possible to provide a more detailed evaluation of the decline in the subject's neurological function. The evaluation results based on the combination of these two items are presented to the user through the color of the indicator, allowing for a quicker and more intuitive understanding of the situation than is possible based on waveforms or multiple numerical values. As a result, it is possible to enhance the support for neurological monitoring during the perioperative period. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates an example of the functional configuration of a neuromonitoring system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 2 shows an example of a screen displayed on the display device of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] 10 illustrates the relationship between the amplitude value and amplitude change rate of the evoked potential waveform and the color of the indicator. [Figure 4] 2 illustrates an example of a process flow executed by the processing device of FIG. 1. [Figure 5] 1. FIG. 4 shows another example of the screen displayed on the display device of FIG. [Figure 6] 1. FIG. 4 shows another example of the screen displayed on the display device of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Examples of embodiments are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0011] 1 illustrates the functional configuration of a neuromonitoring system 10 according to one embodiment. The neuromonitoring system 10 is a system for preventing paralysis caused by nerve damage by monitoring changes over time in evoked potentials of a subject 20 based on stimulation, for example, during the perioperative period of a surgical operation.

[0012] In this example, the subject 20 is electrically stimulated, and the time course of the motor evoked potentials (MEPs; Transcranial Motor Evoked Potentials) is monitored.

[0013] Thus, the neuromonitoring system 10 includes a stimulator 11. The stimulator 11 generates a stimulation signal ST corresponding to an electrical stimulus applied through electrodes 21 attached to the subject 20. Although a single electrode 21 is illustrated in FIG. 1, in practice, multiple electrodes 21 are attached to multiple body parts determined according to the evoked potentials to be monitored.

[0014] The MEP of the subject 20 obtained in response to the electrical stimulation is detected through the electromyography electrodes 22 attached to the subject 20. That is, the electromyography electrodes 22 output a detection signal DT corresponding to the MEP. The detection signal DT may be an analog signal or a digital signal. Although a single electromyography electrode 22 is illustrated in FIG. 1, in practice, multiple electromyography electrodes 22 are attached to multiple body parts determined according to the evoked potentials to be monitored.

[0015] The neuromonitoring system 10 includes a processing unit 12. The processing unit 12 has an input interface 121. The input interface 121 is configured as a hardware interface that receives a detection signal DT. If the detection signal DT is an analog signal, the input interface 121 has an appropriate conversion circuit including an A / D converter.

[0016] The processing device 12 includes a processor 122. The processor 122 is configured to acquire, based on the detection signal DT received by the input interface 121, a waveform WF corresponding to the change over time in the MEP of the subject 20 in response to the electrical stimulation.

[0017] Additionally, the processor 122 is configured to obtain an amplitude value A defined as the difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the MEP in the waveform WF. The amplitude value A is an example of an amplitude value of a waveform obtained based on a predetermined rule.

[0018] The processing device 12 includes a storage 123. The storage 123 is a storage device that can be realized by a semiconductor memory, a hard disk drive, a magnetic tape drive, or the like. The storage 123 is configured to store data corresponding to a reference waveform RF (baseline waveform). The reference waveform RF corresponds to a change over time in the MEP of the subject 20 detected under predetermined conditions, such as before surgery. A reference amplitude value A0 is similarly defined for the reference waveform RF. That is, the reference amplitude value A0 is defined as the difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the MEP in the reference waveform RF.

[0019] The processor 122 is configured to acquire an amplitude change rate P, which is the ratio of the amplitude value A to the reference amplitude value A0, based on the amplitude value A acquired as described above and the reference amplitude value A0 stored in the storage 123. In this example, the amplitude change rate P is given by the following equation. P = (A / A0) × 100 [%]

[0020] Neuromonitoring system 10 includes display device 13. Display device 13 has a structure capable of visually presenting information to a user. Examples of such a structure include a display, an indicator, etc. Processing device 12 and display device 13 may be part of the same device or may be separate devices.

[0021] The processing device 12 includes an output interface 124. The processor 122 is configured to output a display control signal DC from the output interface 124 based on the amplitude value A and the amplitude change rate P obtained as described above. The display control signal DC is configured to cause the display device 13 to display an indicator exhibiting one of a plurality of colors. The display control signal DC may be a digital signal or an analog signal depending on the specifications of the display device 13. The output interface 124 is configured as a hardware interface. When the display control signal DC is an analog signal, the output interface 124 includes an appropriate conversion circuit including a D / A converter.

[0022] 2 shows an example of a screen displayed on the display device 13 based on the display control signal DC. The screen in this example includes a first waveform display area WD1, a second waveform display area WD2, and a third waveform display area WD3.

[0023] The first waveform display area WD1 is configured to display a first channel waveform corresponding to the time-dependent change in the MEP of the subject 20 related to a first channel associated with one of the plurality of electromyography electrodes 22. The first channel waveform is not shown in FIG.

[0024] The second waveform display area WD2 is configured to display a second channel waveform corresponding to the time-dependent change in the MEP of the subject 20 related to a second channel associated with another one of the plurality of electromyography electrodes 22. The second channel waveform is not shown in FIG.

[0025] The third waveform display area WD3 is configured to display a third channel waveform corresponding to the time-dependent change in the MEP of the subject 20 associated with a third channel associated with yet another one of the plurality of electromyography electrodes 22. The third channel waveform is not shown in FIG.

[0026] The display device 13 further includes a first index display area ID1, a second index display area ID2, and a third index display area ID3.

[0027] The first index display area ID1 is configured to display a first index IX1. The first index IX1 has a color determined based on a comparison between the first channel waveform and the reference waveform RF. The first index display area ID1 is arranged adjacent to the first waveform display area WD1. In other words, the first index display area ID1 is arranged so that the user can recognize the association between the first index IX1 and the first channel waveform.

[0028] The second index display area ID2 is configured to display the second index IX2. The second index IX2 has a color determined based on a comparison between the second channel waveform and the reference waveform RF. The second index display area ID2 is arranged adjacent to the second waveform display area WD2. In other words, the second index display area ID2 is arranged so that the user can recognize the association between the second index IX2 and the second channel waveform.

[0029] The third index display area ID3 is configured to display the third index IX3. The third index IX3 has a color determined based on a comparison between the third channel waveform and the reference waveform RF. The third index display area ID3 is arranged adjacent to the third waveform display area WD3. In other words, the third index display area ID3 is arranged so that the user can recognize the association between the third index IX3 and the third channel waveform.

[0030] That is, the processing device 12 outputs a display control signal DC, which causes the display device 13 to display the first index IX1, the second index IX2, and the third index IX3 together with the first channel waveform, the second channel waveform, and the third channel waveform, from the output interface 124. The number of channels of the waveforms displayed on the display device 13 (i.e., the number of indexes) can be determined appropriately depending on the specifications of the display device 13.

[0031] In this example, each of the first index IX1, the second index IX2, and the third index IX3 exhibits one of eight colors according to a predetermined relationship between a combination of the amplitude value A and the amplitude change rate P. Fig. 3 illustrates an example of the relationship between the combination of the amplitude value A and the amplitude change rate P and the color of the displayed index. Data describing this relationship is stored in the storage 123 of the processing device 12.

[0032] 3, the higher the number, the higher the likelihood that the motor function of the subject 20 is impaired. Therefore, it is preferable that the higher the number, the more warning-like the display color is associated with it. For example, the display color may be determined so that it transitions from a blue-green color to a yellow-red color as the number increases.

[0033] 4 illustrates a flow of processing executed by the processor 122 of the processing device 12. The processor 122 determines whether the amplitude value A of the waveform WF can be identified based on the detection signal DT received by the input interface 121 (STEP 1). Examples of cases in which the amplitude value A cannot be identified include when the waveform WF is substantially flat and the maximum, minimum, maximum, minimum, and other values ​​of the MEP required to identify the amplitude value A cannot be defined, or when the MPF gradually decreases to zero after reaching a maximum value, making it impossible to acquire the minimum value, even though maximum and minimum values ​​are required to identify the amplitude value A.

[0034] If it is determined that the amplitude value A of the waveform WF can be identified (YES in STEP 1), the processor 122 acquires the amplitude value A of the waveform WF based on a predetermined rule (STEP 2).

[0035] Next, processor 122 determines whether the display color of the index can be determined based on the amplitude value A acquired in STEP 2 (STEP 3). In the relationship illustrated in Fig. 3, the display color of the index can be determined when the amplitude value A is equal to or greater than 5 µV and less than 10 µV, and when the amplitude value A is less than 5 µV. In the former case, color number 6 is selected, and in the latter case, color number 7 is selected. When the amplitude value A is 10 µV or greater, the display color of the index cannot be determined based on the amplitude value A alone.

[0036] When the display color of the index is determined (YES in STEP 3), the processor 122 outputs a display control signal DC from the output interface 124 to cause the display device 13 to display the index in that color (STEP 4).

[0037] If the display color of the index cannot be determined based on the amplitude value A alone (NO in STEP 3), the processor 122 acquires the amplitude change rate P of the waveform WF relative to the reference waveform RF (STEP 5). One of color numbers 1 to 5 is selected based on the acquired value of the amplitude change rate P and the relationship illustrated in Fig. 3. The processor 122 outputs a display control signal DC from the output interface 124 to cause the display device 13 to display the index in the color of the selected color number (STEP 4).

[0038] In the example shown in Fig. 2, color number 1 is selected as the display color for the first index IX1, color number 5 is selected as the display color for the second index IX2, and color number 7 is selected as the display color for the third index IX3.

[0039] If it is determined that the amplitude value A of the waveform WF cannot be identified (NO in STEP 1), the processor 122 outputs a display control signal DC from the output interface 124 to cause the display device 13 to display an indicator having the color of color number 8 illustrated in Figure 3 (STEP 4).

[0040] According to the above configuration, by introducing the amplitude value A of the waveform WF as well as the amplitude change rate P of the waveform WF relative to the reference waveform RF as an evaluation item for MEP, it is possible to provide a more detailed evaluation of the decline in motor function of the subject 20. For example, in the relationship shown in FIG. 3, situations in which the amplitude change rate P is less than 10% are classified into three stages based on the amplitude value A. The evaluation results based on the combination of these two items are presented to the user through the color of the indicator, allowing for a quicker and more intuitive understanding of the situation than is possible based on waveforms or multiple numerical values. As a result, it is possible to improve the supportability of motor function monitoring during the perioperative period.

[0041] 4, in this embodiment, the display color of the index is first selected based on the newly introduced amplitude value A. In other words, the display color of the index is selected by prioritizing the amplitude value A over the amplitude change rate P.

[0042] This configuration can suppress an increase in the calculation load and processing time of the processor 122 of the processing device 12, particularly in a situation where the amplitude value A has a relatively large effect on the evaluation of the decline in motor function of the subject 20. This can improve the supportability of the evaluation of the decline in motor function.

[0043] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the indices displayed on the display device 13 have a rectangular shape. A rectangle is an example of a graphic. The processor 122 is configured to change the shape of the displayed indices when the reference amplitude value A0 of the reference waveform RF is below a threshold. Specifically, the processor 122 outputs, from the output interface 124, a display control signal DC that changes the shape of the indices so that the upper left corner of the rectangle is cut out. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the shapes of the second index IX2 and the third index IX3 are changed in this way.

[0044] When the reference amplitude value A0 of the reference waveform RF is relatively small, the amplitude value A of the waveform WF also tends to be small, so attention needs to be paid to the evaluation results based on the amplitude value A. The change in the shape of the indicator as described above can be easily recognized by the user, so the user can be urged to pay attention to the evaluation results. This can further enhance the supportability of motor function monitoring.

[0045] As illustrated in Fig. 1, the neuromonitoring system 10 may include a user interface 14. The user interface 14 is configured to receive an instruction from a user to change the color of an indicator displayed on the display device 13. There may be cases where the assessment of a decline in motor ability by the processing device 12 does not correspond to the actual condition of the subject 20. In such cases, the display color of the indicator may be changed after the fact in order to record a more appropriate assessment result.

[0046] The user interface 14 may be realized by a mechanically operable switch or the like, or may be realized as a GUI operable via an input device such as a mouse or keyboard, or through touch panel operation, or the instruction may be input by the user's voice or gestures.

[0047] The user interface 14 is configured to output an instruction signal IS in response to the received instruction. The instruction signal IS may be an analog signal or a digital signal depending on the specifications of the user interface 14. The instruction signal IS is received by an input interface 121 of the processing device 12. If the instruction signal IS is an analog signal, the input interface 121 includes an appropriate conversion circuit including an A / D converter.

[0048] The processor 122 is configured to change the shape of the displayed index when an instruction signal IS corresponding to an instruction to change the display color of the index is received by the input interface 121. Specifically, the processor 122 outputs a display control signal DC from the output interface 124 to change the shape of the index so that it assumes a rectangular shape with the upper right corner cut out. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the shape of the third index IX3 is changed in this way.

[0049] If a user subsequently changes the display color of an indicator, other users may feel uncomfortable when they see the waveform WF and the indicator with the changed color. Therefore, it is preferable that the fact that a user has changed the display color of an indicator be made known to other users. Since the change in the shape of the indicator as described above can be easily recognized by other users, it is possible to prompt other users to recognize that the display color of the indicator has been changed. Therefore, the supportability of motor function monitoring can be further improved.

[0050] In addition to or instead of the above configuration, the user interface 14 can be configured to receive an instruction from the user to change the threshold value related to the reference amplitude value A0, and to output an instruction signal IS corresponding to the instruction.

[0051] The processor 122 may be configured to change the shape of the displayed index when an instruction signal IS corresponding to an instruction to change the threshold value related to the reference amplitude value A0 is received by the input interface 121. Specifically, the processor 122 outputs a display control signal DC from the output interface 124 to change the shape of the index so that it assumes a rectangular shape with the lower right corner cut out. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the shape of the second index IX2 is changed in this way.

[0052] A change in the threshold value for the reference amplitude value A0 may affect the result of whether or not the shape of the indicator is changed. Therefore, it is preferable that the fact that the threshold value has been changed is notified to the user. Since the change in the shape of the indicator as described above can also be easily recognized by the user, it is possible to prompt the user to recognize that the threshold value has been changed. Therefore, the supportability of motor function monitoring can be further improved.

[0053] In addition to or instead of the above configuration, the user interface 14 can be configured to receive instructions from the user to change the thresholds for the amplitude value A, the amplitude change rate P, and the display color of the indicator, as illustrated in FIG. 3, and to output an instruction signal IS corresponding to the instruction.

[0054] In this case, the processor 122 is configured to change the shape of the displayed index when an instruction signal IS corresponding to an instruction to change at least one of the amplitude value A and the amplitude change rate P and the threshold value related to the display color of the index is received by the input interface 121. Specifically, the processor 122 outputs a display control signal DC from the output interface 124 to change the shape of the index so that it assumes a rectangular shape with the lower right corner cut out. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the shape of the second index IX2 is changed in this way.

[0055] A change in the threshold value for at least one of the amplitude value A and the amplitude change rate P and the display color of the indicator may affect the evaluation results for the motor function of the subject 20. Therefore, it is preferable that the fact that the threshold value has been changed is notified to the user. The change in the shape of the indicator as described above can also be easily recognized by the user, so that the user can be prompted to recognize that the threshold value has been changed. Therefore, the support for motor function monitoring can be further improved.

[0056] Note that the manner in which the index shape is changed based on an instruction to change the threshold for at least one of the amplitude value A and the amplitude change rate P and the display color of the index may differ from the manner in which the index shape is changed based on an instruction to change the threshold for the reference amplitude value A0 of the reference waveform RF. For example, when an instruction signal IS corresponding to an instruction to change the threshold for the amplitude change rate P is received by the input interface 121, the processor 122 may output from the output interface 124 a display control signal DC that changes the shape of the index so that it assumes a rectangular shape with the bottom left corner cut out.

[0057] Any method can be used to change the shape of the indicator displayed on the display device 13. As described above, not only can a part of the initial shape be removed, but also a change such as adding another shape to the initial shape can be made. Alternatively, a change from a rectangle to a shape with a different name, such as a circle, a triangle, or a star, can be made.

[0058] 5 shows another example of a screen displayed on the display device 13 based on a display control signal DC output from the processing device 12. The screen in this example includes a graph display area GR, a first current value display area CV1, a second current value display area CV2, a value history display area VH, and an indicator display area ID.

[0059] The graph display area GR is configured to display the change over time in the amplitude change rate P obtained based on the waveform WF in a so-called trend format. The left-right direction in the graph display area GR corresponds to the passage of time. Specifically, the further to the right it corresponds to the more recent past. The up-down direction in the graph display area GR corresponds to the value of the amplitude change rate P. Specifically, the higher it is, the larger the value. The center line CL represents P=100%.

[0060] Each time an amplitude change rate P is acquired, it is plotted in the left-right direction of the graph display area GR at a position corresponding to the time of acquisition. Newer amplitude change rates P are plotted further to the right than older amplitude change rates P. A graph is formed by connecting adjacent plots in the left-right direction with connecting lines. When the current time reaches the right end of the graph display area GR, the entire graph moves leftward while plotting continues.

[0061] The first current value display area CV1 is configured to display the numerical value of the amplitude change rate P corresponding to the latest plot. The second current value display area CV2 is configured to display the numerical value of the amplitude value A at the time when the latest amplitude change rate P was acquired. The value history display area VH is configured to display the numerical value of the amplitude change rate P corresponding to each plot above the plot in the graph display area GR.

[0062] The indicator display area ID is configured to display, as an indicator, a scale SC including a plurality of colors based on the relationship illustrated in Fig. 3. In the example shown in Fig. 5, the scale SC including color numbers 2 to 4 is displayed so as to correspond to the values ​​of the amplitude change rate P displayed in the graph display area GR.

[0063] Fig. 6 shows another example of a screen displayed on the display device 13 based on the display control signal DC output from the processing device 12. Elements that are substantially the same as those in the example shown in Fig. 5 are given the same reference characters, and repeated explanations will be omitted.

[0064] The graph display area GR in this example is configured to display the change over time in the amplitude change rate P obtained based on the waveform WF in a so-called waterfall format. The up and down directions in the graph display area GR correspond to the passage of time. Specifically, the upward direction corresponds to a more recent past. The left and right directions in the graph display area GR correspond to the value of the amplitude change rate P. Specifically, the rightward direction corresponds to a larger value. The center line CL represents P=100%.

[0065] Each time an amplitude change rate P is acquired, it is plotted at the top of the graph display area GR. Newer amplitude change rates P are plotted higher than older amplitude change rates P. Vertically adjacent plots are connected by connecting lines to form a graph. Plotting continues as the entire graph moves downward.

[0066] The value history display area VH is configured to display the numerical value of the amplitude change rate P corresponding to each plot to the right of the plot in the graph display area GR.

[0067] 5 or 6, the user can visually grasp, through the color of the indicator, the change over time in the evaluation results relating to the motor function of the subject 20, which are based on the combination of the amplitude value A and the amplitude change rate P. The user can grasp the transition of the condition of the subject 20 up to the latest evaluation result, which further enhances the supportability of motor function monitoring.

[0068] The graph display area GR may display a graph showing the change in amplitude value A over time. The center line CL may represent, for example, A=10 μV. In this case, the first current value display area CV1 is configured to display the numerical value of the amplitude value A corresponding to the most recent plot. The second current value display area CV2 is configured to display the numerical value of the amplitude change rate P at the time the most recent amplitude value A was acquired. The value history display area VH is configured to display the numerical value of the amplitude value A corresponding to each plot in the graph display area GR.

[0069] The processor 122 of the processing device 12, which has the various functions described above, may be realized by a general-purpose microprocessor operating in cooperation with general-purpose memory. Examples of general-purpose microprocessors include a CPU, an MPU, and a GPU. Examples of general-purpose memory include a ROM and a RAM. In this case, a computer program for implementing the function may be stored in the ROM. The ROM is an example of a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a computer program. The general-purpose microprocessor specifies at least a portion of the program stored in the ROM, expands it in the RAM, and executes the above-described processing in cooperation with the RAM. The computer program may be pre-installed in the general-purpose memory, or may be downloaded from an external server via a communication network and then installed in the general-purpose memory. In this case, the external server is an example of a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a computer program.

[0070] The processor 122 may be implemented by a dedicated integrated circuit such as a microcontroller, ASIC, or FPGA having a storage element pre-installed with a computer program for implementing the processor's functions, in which case the storage element is an example of a non-transitory computer-readable medium on which a computer program is stored.

[0071] The processor 122 may be implemented by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a dedicated integrated circuit.

[0072] The configurations described above are merely examples for facilitating understanding of the present disclosure. Each configuration may be appropriately modified or combined with other configurations without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

[0073] The amplitude value A obtained for the waveform WF does not need to be the difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the MEP. If two points that can serve as references are identified in the waveform WF based on a predetermined rule, the difference in MEP between the two points can be obtained as the amplitude value A. Examples of such two points include a maximum value and a minimum value, a maximum or minimum value and a baseline potential, a maximum or minimum value and a baseline potential, etc.

[0074] The display device 13 may be an independent device having a display function, or may be provided as part of another device. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the display device 13 may be part of a surgical microscope 30. In this case, the screens illustrated in FIGS. 2, 5, and 6 may be displayed within the field of view of the surgical microscope 30. This configuration allows a surgical decision to be made while checking the evaluation results of the motor function of the subject 20. The advantages of the configuration according to the present disclosure, which provides the evaluation results through the color of the indicator, become even more pronounced when applied to a surgical microscope 30 with a limited field of view.

[0075] The subject of neural monitoring is not limited to MEP. Somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs), visual evoked potentials (VEPs), and auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) can also be monitored. When SEPs are monitored, the stimulator 11 applies electrical stimuli to the subject 20, and the sensory function of the subject 20 is evaluated. When VEPs are monitored, the stimulator 11 applies light stimuli to the retina of the subject 20, and the visual nerve function of the subject 20 is evaluated. When ABRs are monitored, the stimulator 11 applies sound stimuli to the subject 20, and the auditory nerve function of the subject 20 is evaluated.

[0076] The configurations listed below also form part of this disclosure. (1): a stimulation device that generates a stimulation signal corresponding to a stimulus to be applied to the subject; a processing device that acquires a waveform corresponding to a time-dependent change in the evoked potential of the subject based on the stimulation, and displays an index that exhibits one of a plurality of colors on a display device based on an amplitude value of the waveform acquired based on a predetermined rule and an amplitude change rate that is a ratio of the amplitude value to the amplitude value of a reference waveform; Equipped with Neuromonitoring system. (2): the processing device causes the display device to display the indicator together with the waveform; (1) A neuromonitoring system as described in (1). (3): the processing device causes the display device to display the indicator together with the change over time of one of the amplitude value and the amplitude change rate; (1) A neuromonitoring system as described in (1). (4): the processing device selects the color of the indicator by prioritizing the amplitude value over the amplitude change rate. A neuromonitoring system according to any one of (1) to (3). (5): the indicator is a graphic, the processing device changes the shape of the figure in a first manner when the amplitude value of the reference waveform is below a threshold; A neuromonitoring system described in any one of (1) to (4). (6): the processing device changes the shape of the figure based on an instruction to change the threshold value. (5) A neuromonitoring system according to (5). (7): the indicator is a graphic, the processing device changes the shape of the graphic based on an instruction to change the color of the indicator. A neuromonitoring system according to any one of (1) to (6). (8): the indicator is a graphic, the processing device changes the shape of the graphic based on an instruction to change the relationship between the amplitude value and the amplitude change rate and the color of the indicator. A neuromonitoring system according to any one of (1) to (7). (9): the display device is provided within the field of view of a surgical microscope; A neuromonitoring system according to any one of (1) to (8). (10): an interface that receives a detection signal corresponding to the subject's evoked potential; a processor that acquires a waveform corresponding to a time-dependent change in the evoked potential based on a stimulus, and displays an index that exhibits one of a plurality of colors on a display device based on an amplitude value of the waveform acquired based on a predetermined rule and an amplitude change rate that is a ratio of the amplitude value to the amplitude value of a reference waveform; Equipped with Processing equipment. (11): A computer program executable by a processor installed in a processing device, When executed, the processing device: obtaining a waveform corresponding to the time-dependent change in the subject's evoked potential based on the stimulation; displaying an indicator in one of a plurality of colors on a display device based on the amplitude value of the waveform acquired based on a predetermined rule and an amplitude change rate which is the ratio of the amplitude value to the amplitude value of a reference waveform; Computer program. [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] 11: Stimulation device, 12: Processing device, 121: Input interface, 122: Processor, 13: Display device, 20: Subject, 30: Surgical microscope, IX1: First index, IX2: Second index, IX3: Third index, A: Amplitude value, A0: Reference amplitude value, P: Amplitude change rate, RF: Reference waveform, SC: Scale, ST: Stimulation signal, WF: Waveform

Claims

1. a stimulation device that generates a stimulation signal corresponding to a stimulus to be applied to the subject; a processing device that acquires a waveform corresponding to a time-dependent change in the evoked potential of the subject based on the stimulation, and displays an index that exhibits one of a plurality of colors on a display device based on an amplitude value of the waveform acquired based on a predetermined rule and an amplitude change rate that is a ratio of the amplitude value to the amplitude value of a reference waveform; Equipped with Neuromonitoring system.

2. the processing device causes the display device to display the indicator together with the waveform; The neuromonitoring system of claim 1 .

3. the processing device causes the display device to display the indicator together with the change over time of one of the amplitude value and the amplitude change rate; The neuromonitoring system of claim 1 .

4. the processing device selects the color of the indicator by prioritizing the amplitude value over the amplitude change rate. The neuromonitoring system of claim 1 .

5. the indicator is a graphic, the processing device changes the shape of the figure when the amplitude value of the reference waveform is below a threshold. The neuromonitoring system of claim 1 .

6. the processing device changes the shape of the figure based on an instruction to change the threshold value. The neuromonitoring system of claim 5 .

7. the indicator is a graphic, the processing device changes the shape of the graphic based on an instruction to change the color of the indicator. The neuromonitoring system of claim 1 .

8. the indicator is a graphic, the processing device changes the shape of the graphic based on an instruction to change the relationship between the color of the indicator and at least one of the amplitude value and the amplitude change rate. The neuromonitoring system of claim 1 .

9. the display device is provided within the field of view of a surgical microscope; The neuromonitoring system of claim 1 .

10. an interface that receives a detection signal corresponding to the subject's evoked potential; a processor that acquires a waveform corresponding to a time-dependent change in the evoked potential based on a stimulus, and displays an index that exhibits one of a plurality of colors on a display device based on an amplitude value of the waveform acquired based on a predetermined rule and an amplitude change rate that is a ratio of the amplitude value to the amplitude value of a reference waveform; Equipped with Processing equipment.

11. A computer program executable by a processor installed in a processing device, When executed, the processing device: obtaining a waveform corresponding to the time-dependent change in the subject's evoked potential based on the stimulation; displaying an indicator in one of a plurality of colors on a display device based on the amplitude value of the waveform acquired based on a predetermined rule and an amplitude change rate which is the ratio of the amplitude value to the amplitude value of a reference waveform; Computer program.

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