For Clinicians by Clinicians
Promoting Personalised Anaesthesia: Using pEEG monitoring makes it possible to adjust the dosage of hypnotic substances as needed. This allows individually adapting the anesthesia and sedation to patients as well as optimising the dosage of hypnotic substances.
What sets the Narcotrend® apart is that it performs EEG assessments adjusted for age, the only device able and validated to monitor the brain state precisely from birth to old age.
The unique Age-related Algorithm classifies the EEG according to a published taxonomy (inspired by Kugler*) which describes what it looks like – just like a Neurophysiologist – so no more “dimensionless numbers” as with other devices.
For over 25 years, MT MonitorTechnik has been the manufacturer of this EEG system continuously aiming to offer improvements and developments.
* Inspired by Kugler’s sleep phases – 'Narcotrend is the only monitor that classifies the EEG into stages, based on sleep-based algorithms and not a statistically based, empirically derived parameter (dimensionless numbers).Although of course being anaesthetised and being asleep involve fundamentally different EEGs, there is a physiological basis in using sleep taxonomies to classify anaesthetic stages.’
Science and The Manufacturer MT MonitorTechnik GmbH & Co KG
Narcotrend was designed with Clinicians in Mind and has an interesting backstory: The system was developed by a neurophysiologist and an anaesthetist—a husband-and-wife team.
They wanted a device that not only gave reliable, relevant data but also supported clinicians by not over-relying on numbers.
For Clinicians by Clinicians:
Constant evolution, clinical research and exchanges with users worldwide are reflected in the user-friendliness of the products.
Key differences in EEG devices that are worth keeping in mind
A couple of key points that might resonate:
The Paradox of Age
Here is something interesting:
older patients tend to receive higher age-adjusted MAC of volatile Anaesthetics.
But despite this, they show higher values.
This increase—what we call “overreading”—happens with most devices.
Except for the Narcotrend, which is unique in this regard.
(Katherine Ni, 2019; Hight, 2022; Obert, 2021.)
Narcotrend was Designed with Clinicians in Mind
In developing the Narcotrend the designers were looking to not only give reliable, relevant data but also support clinicians by not over-relying on numbers.
That is why the Narcotrend includes a final plausibility check. If the EEG data is not stable or reliable, it simply does not display a number.
This approach reminds us how important personalised EEG interpretation is—something that goes beyond just looking at a single figure.
(Hight, 2023; Mulvey, Klepsch 2020)
Safeguarding Brain Function and Health
There is a growing emphasis on protecting brain function and health—applies to both volatile agents and TIVA.
It highlights the importance of identifying a vulnerable or fragile brain—something that is not necessarily restricted to elderly patients.
With the age-related algorithm built into the Narcotrend, the device automatically adjusts its display settings to the patient’s age. This makes identifying a vulnerable brain—or even a "super brain"—straightforward and clinically effective.
The Role of Burst Suppression
When it comes to preventing postoperative delirium, burst suppression plays a key role.
Here is where the Narcotrend shines compared to other devices: it responds immediately to the first sign of EEG suppression lasting at least 2 seconds. That kind of quick response can make a real difference
In addition, Narcotrend offers several unique advantages:
- A comprehensive review of over 4,000 hours of recordings, which is an invaluable resource for teaching and training.
- Compatibility with subdermal needles for tricky monitoring scenarios.
Processed EEG is advancing rapidly, and it is clear that pEEG has an essential role to play in both TIVA and volatile anesthesia.
And Finally… the finances and sustainability
When considering the actual use of pEEG, both in terms of cost per patient and overall expenditure, it is essential to factor in the growing adoption of pEEG in volatile anesthesia and the increasing shift from volatile agents to TIVA.
For long-term use:
Narcotrend takes a sustainable approach: environmentally friendly with regard to minimal packaging, UK based service and repair and on-site software upgrades.
