Abstract
We customized and used stimulation probes (SP) for the intraoperative stimulation of the fourth ventricle floor (IoS). The facial nerve was intraoperatively monitored 7 times prior to resection of 6 cavernous angiomas in the pons and puncture of 1 cystic metastatic tumor in the pons during 3 years. We made 5 types of SP, which were composed of handpiece and electrode. From No.1 to No.5, they were improved for IoS. Both adequate manipulation of handpiece, electrode and proper flexibility of electrode were required to provide precise and safe stimulation of the intended site. The latest SP, No.5 made from the steel handpiece and silver-ball electrode coated with silicon is improved in several ways and is best suited for IoS.
