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Objective To analyze the electrical resistance of a newly developed neuromonitoring pedicle screw (Neuro-PS) and to verify the electrophysiologic properties of the Neuro-PS in a pig model. Methods We developed 2 types of the Neuro-PS in which a gold lead was located internally (type I) and externally (type II). We measured the electrical resistance of the Neuro-PS and the conventional screw and analyzed the electrical thresholds of triggered EMG (t-EMG) of each screw by intentionally penetrating the medial pedicle wall and contacting the exiting nerve root in a pig model. Results The electrical resistances of the Neuro-PS were remarkably lower than that of the conventional screw. In electrophysiologic testing, only the type II Neuro-PS under the leadnerve contact condition showed a significantly lower stimulation threshold as compared to the conventional screw. Conclusion The Neuro-PS demonstrated lower electrical resistances than the conventional screw. The type II Neuro-PS under the lead-nerve contact condition showed a significantly lower stimulation threshold compared to that of the other screws in the t-EMG test.

For some aerospace and automotive applications, it has been difficult to produce instrumentation for the harsh environments encountered. Problems include high temperatures, high centrifugal forces, corrosive exhaust gases, and potential damage from high velocity particulates. This paper reports the design and development of a thin film instrument for temperature monitoring. The device comprises two gold tracks for use as excitation leads, and a platinum resistance element, both applied to a chemically robust electrical insulator. The gold tracks were deposited using a commercial gold ink consisting of a solution of a gold mercapto balsamate complex in an organic solvent. Most of the organic solvent evaporates when the ink is applied, and the residual organic material is removed on fusion. Gold is the metal of choice because of its resistance to oxidation and the chemical and thermal stability of the films produced. Gold ink is particularly easy to apply, the process is readily controlled and no expensive equipment is required. This paper describes the application of the gold ink and the analysis of the films produced, along with a description of the sensor fabrication and performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To analyze the electrical resistance of a newly developed neuromonitoring pedicle screw (Neuro-PS) and to verify the electrophysiologic properties of the Neuro-PS in a pig model., Methods: We developed 2 types of the Neuro-PS in which a gold lead was located internally (type I) and externally (type II). We measured the electrical resistance of the Neuro-PS and the conventional screw and analyzed the electrical thresholds of triggered EMG (t-EMG) of each screw by intentionally penetrating the medial pedicle wall and contacting the exiting nerve root in a pig model., Results: The electrical resistances of the Neuro-PS were remarkably lower than that of the conventional screw. In electrophysiologic testing, only the type II Neuro-PS under the leadnerve contact condition showed a significantly lower stimulation threshold as compared to the conventional screw., Conclusion: The Neuro-PS demonstrated lower electrical resistances than the conventional screw. The type II Neuro-PS under the lead-nerve contact condition showed a significantly lower stimulation threshold compared to that of the other screws in the t-EMG test.