Abstract: A cautery safety controller can include a first input to receive a cautery power signal; a first output coupled to a nerve stimulator system; a second input coupled to receive a nerve detected signal; a zero-crossing detector coupled to receive the cautery power signal via the first input and output a nerve sense enable signal via the first output to the nerve stimulator system in response to detecting a zero crossing of the cautery power signal; and a nerve detection decision unit coupled to receive the nerve detected signal via the second input, generate a stop operation signal, and output the stop operation signal via a second output. A cauterizing pencil can be provided with a tap line for providing the cautery power signal. Alternatively, a cautery pad can be provided with a sense electrode for providing the cautery power signal.