What is
Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM) Services
Intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) improves patient safety by tracking the brain, spinal cord, and nerve pathways during surgery. By detecting changes in nerve function instantly, surgeons can adjust their approach and prevent permanent damage.
Everything you need to know about IONM and Spinal Interventions
IONM is real-time monitoring of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves during surgery to help prevent injury and improve patient safety.
IONM is used during complex surgeries on the spine, brain, peripheral nerves, and blood vessels to protect neurological functions.
Each procedure is supervised in real time by a physician via telemedicine, while a neurophysiology technologist is present in the operating room.
SSEPs (somatosensory evoked potentials) monitor sensory pathways, while MEPs (motor evoked potentials) monitor motor pathways from the brain to the muscles.
Spinal deformities can be caused by scoliosis (curvature of the spine), kyphosis (forward rounding), congenital conditions, neuromuscular disorders, or age-related degeneration.
Mild scoliosis may be managed with observation, physical therapy, or bracing, but severe cases often require surgery for long-term correction.
Pros: Correct spinal alignment, relieve pain, prevent progression.
Cons: Risks include infection, nerve injury, and long recovery time.
Yes. IONM helps reduce the risks of spine surgery by protecting the spinal cord and nerves during correction.
Neurophysiological Coverage
Each case is handled by a neurophysiology technologist present in the operating room, with remote medical supervision via telemedicine. Our workflow includes preoperative planning, intraoperative monitoring, and immediate postoperative reporting.
Rampart Neuro provides on-call coverage with flexible scheduling for urgent and scheduled surgeries. We coordinate directly with hospitals to meet deadlines and ensure availability.
All procedures follow strict protocols, safety standards, and documentation practices, ensuring reliability for surgeons and hospital partners.
To do so, Rampart’s clinicians not only alert the surgeon of a possible complication. Instead, they continuously read and interpret bioelectrical signals in real-time. If they observe an anomaly, they quickly draw up a list of causes in order to pinpoint exactly where the problem lies. The surgeon is then informed of the problem and corrective measures are immediately taken before the complication becomes permanent.
Unlike any other center in Quebec, Rempart Neurophysiology offers technical and professional intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring services. At the technical level, Rampart is composed of technologists certified by the “Ordre des Technologues en Imagerie Médicale, en Radiologie et en Électrophysiologie Médicale (OTIMROEPMQ)”. Each technologist undergoes a minimum of 6 months of extensive training only offered by Rampart Neurophysiology.
The technical training and professional supervision are guaranteed by Dr. Sébastien Fournier, Certified Clinical Neurophysiologist of the American Board of Neurophysiologic Monitoring (ABNM). Together, Rampart’s clinicians possess unparalleled technical and clinical skills in Canada. This skillset allows for optimal interaction with the surgeon and anesthesiologist, leading to the best possible surgical outcome.
The technical training and professional supervision are guaranteed by Dr. Sébastien Fournier, Certified Clinical Neurophysiologist of the American Board of Neurophysiologic Monitoring (ABNM). Together, Rampart’s clinicians possess unparalleled technical and clinical skills in Canada. This skillset allows for optimal interaction with the surgeon and anesthesiologist, leading to the best possible surgical outcome.
Rampart Academy
Rampart Academy – Professional IONM Training
At Rampart Academy, we train each technologist through a minimum six-month program that combines in-depth academic instruction and practical clinical experience. This exclusive training is offered only by Rampart Neurophysiology in Quebec. Our graduates are certified by the OTIMROEPMQ and consistently deliver the high-quality IONM services our hospital partners rely on.
General IONM
IONM is real-time monitoring of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves during surgery to help prevent injury and improve patient safety.
IONM is used during complex surgeries on the spine, brain, peripheral nerves, and blood vessels to protect neurological functions.
Each procedure is supervised in real time by a physician via telemedicine, while a neurophysiology technologist is present in the operating room.
Yes. IONM is noninvasive, widely accepted, and significantly reduces the risk of neurological complications during surgery.
Terms and conditions
SSEP (Somatosensory Evoked Potentials) track signals from nerves to the brain, while MEP (Motor Evoked Potentials) monitor pathways from the brain to muscles.Les SSEP (potentiels évoqués somesthésiques) suivent les signaux des nerfs jusqu’au cerveau, tandis que les MEP (potentiels évoqués moteurs) surveillent les voies du cerveau aux muscles.
EMG (electromyography) detects nerve or muscle irritation in real time during surgery.
EEG (electroencephalography) records brain activity and helps monitor the effects of anesthesia during surgery.
These techniques are used in neurosurgery to identify and protect the areas responsible for speech, movement, and other vital functions.
Risks include discomfort and anxiety; benefits include better preservation of speech and motor function, as surgeons can test responses in real time.
Condition-Specific FAQs
IONM helps protect the spinal cord during scoliosis correction, reducing the risk of paralysis or nerve damage.
Mild scoliosis can be managed through observation, wearing a brace, or physical therapy, but severe cases often require surgery for lasting correction.
Risks include nerve or brain damage, but IONM helps surgeons preserve speech, movement, and other functions during tumor removal.
To protect the recurrent laryngeal nerve, which controls the vocal cords, thereby ensuring the preservation of the patient’s voice.
IONM monitors blood flow and spinal cord function during vascular procedures, helping to prevent stroke or paralysis.
Trust & Value
By alerting the surgical team to changes in nerve function, IONM reduces risks, improves recovery, and increases patient safety.
All technologists are trained by Rampart Academy, complete a program lasting at least six months, and work under real-time medical supervision.
IONM is highly effective. Studies show that neuromonitoring helps prevent permanent neurological damage in up to 99.9% of surgeries where it is used. By providing real-time alerts, it allows surgeons to make immediate adjustments, thereby protecting brain, spinal cord, and nerve function.
IONM by Specialty
Scoliosis
spinal deformity surgeries
Thyroid / ENT
protecting vocal cord nerves
Skull base / Pituitary surgery
preserving critical brain functions
Brain tumor
monitoring neural pathways during resections
Aortic aneurysm
protecting spinal cord blood flow
PLEASE NOTE:
This site is intended for audiences across Canada, North America, and Europe. In Quebec, the services offered by Rempart do not apply to sections 31 and 32 of the Medical Act. In accordance with section 58.1 of the Quebec Professional Code, all references to Dr. Fournier should read Mr. Sébastien Fournier, Doctor of Neurophysiology.