Easily applicable SEP-monitoring of the N20 wave in the intensive care unit.

In this technical note, a conveniently sized, single-channel somatosensory evoked potentials (SEP)-stimulation-recording unit for bedside use in the intensive care unit is presented. The validation of the SEP N20 wave in intensive care guidelines as initial parameter for the prognostic evaluation of cardiac arrest has increased the demand for a more widespread availability of SEP, outside the electrophysiological domain. A device with a simplified interface that safely guides the user through a complete examination and that includes artifact removal is a prerequisite for such more widespread use, in which expert interpretation can be reduced to a necessary minimum.