[A new neuromuscular transmission monitor (TOF Guard): the rationale behind the method and its clinical usefulness].

TOF Guard is one of the latest developments in the field of neuromuscular monitoring equipment. This system uses a miniature acceleration transducer (a piezo-electric ceramic wafer is used), simply fastened to the thumb with tape. The rationale behind the method is Newton's second law, stating that the acceleration is directly proportional to the force. In this study, authors assessed the accuracy of this system in clinical use, comparing with the force transducer method (Myograph 2000). The result showed that there was a very close positive correlation between the values of T1, TOF ratio and posttetanic count simultaneously measured by both methods. The coefficient of correlation was 0.96, and its significance level was P < 0.001. From the clinical view point, it is concluded that TOF Guard is very useful because of its accuracy and because the equipment is easy to handle, compact and of low price as a neuromuscular monitoring system for routine anesthesia.