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An Implantable System For Chronic In Vivo Electromyography
Published on: April 21, 2020
Neurophysiology of vocal fold paralysis
David L Zealear1, Cheryl R Billante
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, S2100 Medical Center North, Nashville, TN 37232, USA. david.zealer@vanderbilt.edu
Abstract:
Although a tremendous volume of energy and literature has been devoted to laryngeal paralysis in the past decade, there are still substantial gaps in our understanding of fundamental issues. Oddly enough, controversy remains regarding the actual innervation pathways of the larynx and whether the paralyzed larynx is truly denervated or dysfunctionally reinnervated. An appreciation of these basic issues is prerequisite to making prudent decisions regarding the most appropriate type of intervention. The purpose of this article is to provide a brief overview of basic laryngeal anatomy and neurophysiology to prepare the reader for a subsequent discussion of futuristic research for treatment of laryngeal paralysis.A novel approach is described, which can induce selective reinnervation of individual laryngeal muscles by their original motor fibers within the recurrent laryngeal nerve.
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