What is the principal effect of etomidate on EPs during surgical anesthesia?

The principal effect of etomidate on evoked potentials (EPs) during surgical anesthesia is characterized by its ability to increase amplitudes. Etomidate, a non-barbiturate anesthetic, is known for its minimal impact on hemodynamic stability and commonly enhances the amplitude of evoked potentials. This enhancement is particularly beneficial in the context of neurophysiological monitoring, as it helps in maintaining a clearer signal that can be interpreted more effectively, allowing for reliable assessments throughout surgical procedures.

Etomidate’s mechanism involves maintaining neuronal integrity and excitability, which can lead to an increase in the signal’s strength. This property is especially advantageous for monitoring, as increased amplitudes improve the visibility of the evoked potentials on the monitoring equipment, making it easier to detect changes that could indicate potential neural compromise during surgery.