Can Recognition of Spinal Ischemia Be Improved? Application of Motor-Evoked Potentials, Serum Markers, and Breath Gas Analysis in an Acutely Instrumented Pig Model

Background Paraplegia due to spinal cord ischemia (SCI) is a serious complication after repair of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms. For prevention and early treatment of spinal ischemia, intraoperative monitoring of spinal cord integrity is essential. This study was intended to improve recognition of SCI through a combination of transcranial motor-evoked potentials (tc-MEPs), serum markers, and innovative breath analysis. Methods In 9 female German Landrace pigs, tc-MEPs were captured, markers of neuronal damage were determined in blood, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were analyzed in exhaled air. After thoraco-phrenico-laparotomy, SCI was initiated through sequential clamping ( n  = 4) or permanently ligating ( n  = 5) SAs of the abdominal and thoracic aorta in caudocranial orientation until a drop in the tc-MEPs to at least 25% of the baseline was recorded. VOCs in breath were determined by means of solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. After waking up, clinical and neurological status was evaluated (Tarlov score). Spinal cord histology was obtained in postmortem. Results Permanent vessel ligature induced a worse neurological outcome and a higher number of necrotic motor neurons compared to clamping. Changes of serum markers remained unspecific. After laparotomy, exhaled acetone and isopropanol showed highest concentrations, and pentane and hexane increased during ischemia-reperfusion injury. Conclusions To mimic spinal ischemia occurring in humans during aortic aneurysm repair, animal models have to be meticulously evaluated concerning vascular anatomy and function. Volatiles from breath indicated metabolic stress during surgery and oxidative damage through ischemia reperfusion. Breath VOCs may provide complimentary information to conventional monitoring methods.