Pioneer
Interview with ASET Historical Advisory Committee
Dr. Leo Happel, a retired academic neurologist, discussed his career in intraoperative monitoring, particularly evoked potentials. He received his credentials at LSU Medical School and faced challenges due to lack of specialized equipment. Happel emphasized the importance of optical isolation in amplifiers and stimulators to prevent ground loops and electrical burns. He highlighted his contributions to neuromonitoring, including the development of Happel’s Law and the establishment of the American Society of Neurophysiologic Monitoring (ASNM). Happel also shared personal anecdotes, such as a call from a surgeon about a brachial plexus injury, and his ongoing influence in the field despite retirement.