Facial Nerve Monitor/Stimulator

DCS is now offering the world-known SILVERSTEIN Facial Nerve Monitor/Stimulator, Model S8.

The Only Choice for Non-Invasive, Highly Sensitive Facial Nerve Monitoring

The Silverstein Model S8 is ideal for all routine ear surgery and for teaching institutions. The highly sensitive muscle sensor slides easily onto the patient's cheek, and detects very fine muscle contractions.

The device uses adjustable, precisely controlled, low-energy pulses to stimulate the facial nerve. A highly sensitive muscle sensor detects the resulting muscle movement in the cheek and generates an audible or visual signal. The muscle sensor is a clothespin-shaped device (with an embedded strain gauge) that slides easily onto the patient's cheek. This allows detection of very fine contractions (finer than can be felt with the hand) and allows drapes to remain over the face undisturbed.

Pulses are delivered to the tissues using a pencil-shaped probe. The current intensity can be accurately adjusted by the surgeon using push-buttons on the probe. At very low settings, the nerve will respond only when direct contact with the nerve is made. Using higher settings, the surgeon can locate a facial nerve that may be obscured by bone and tissue.

By probing the surgical site, and finding the lowest current that will elicit the least contraction, the surgeon can accurately locate the facial nerve.

Features:
  • Remote Control Stimulator Probe: Allows the surgeon to quickly adjust stimulation levels without the aid of operating room personnel.
  • Lighted LCD Display: Easily read from a distance in a darkened operating room.
  • Ultrasensitive Muscle Sensor: This new solid state circuit detects very fine muscle movement. Easy-to-use, non-invasive muscle sensor simply slides on to the patient's cheek.
  • Safe, Low Energy, and Precise Current Control: Constant current, pulsed stimulation eliminates the hazards of non-pulsed or constant voltage stimulation methods.
  • Special Tissue Resistance Compensating Circuitry: Automatically adjusts for varying tissue resistance to provide accurate stimulation levels. Monitors the integrity of all cable connections and verifies that proper current is being delivered.
  • Battery Powered, Lightweight, and Portable: Easily transported between operating rooms. Battery power eliminates shock hazard.
  • Multiple Alarm Signals: For noisy operating rooms, a high output audible alarm is provided, along with an alternate light signal. A remote light is available for placement in the surgeon's field of view. A foot switch that disables the alarm is also provided.
  • May be Used with Silverstein Adaptor for Continuous Stimulation (SACS): The SACS kit consists of a special coiled cable and modular clips that allow any microsurgical tool or air drill to be electrified with stimulating current and be used as a stimulating probe. This allows the surgical procedure to progress more quickly and provides the surgeon with a greater margin of safety.
  • Shatterproof Case: High impact ABS withstands accidental abuse.
Current Characteristics:
The Model S8 uses pulsed, constant current stimulation, which is safer than constant-voltage or non-pulsed DC stimulators. The Model S8 allows direct stimulation of nerve tissue without risk of injury. Special circuitry limits current to the preset level.
Technical Specifications:

Stimulator:
  • Current Output: 0.0 to 10.0 milliamperes (mA), residual current of 0.05mA, at 0.0 indicated
  • Pulse width: 0.0002 seconds
  • Pulse off time: 0.1998 seconds
  • Pulse Frequency: 0.2000 seconds
  • Dial Accuracy: linear down to 0.15 mA, residual current of 0.05 mA at 0.0 indicated
  • Batteries: four 1.5 AA alkaline cells.
  • Battery Life: Approximately 150 to 300 hours
Monitor:
  • Batteries: two standard 8.4-volt NiCad battery packs
  • Battery life: Approximately 8 hours per charge

General:
  • Size: 8 x 5 x 9 inches (approx.)
  • Weight: 7 lbs.