Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 16, 2026

An Implantable System For Chronic In Vivo Electromyography
Published on: April 21, 2020
Bilateral vocal cord paralysis caused by laryngeal mask airway
Kazuhira Endo1, Youzou Okabe, Yumiko Maruyama
1Department of Otolaryngology, Kouseiren Takaoka Hospital, Toyama, Japan. ceres8273@yahoo.co.jp
Abstract:
The laryngeal mask airway (LMA) is regarded as a safer supraglottic airway for general anesthesia compared with conventional endotracheal tubes. We report a case of bilateral vocal cord palsy temporarily observed after using the LMA, which required urgent tracheotomy. Severe swelling of the arytenoid suggested that bilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy was caused by prolonged compression on the pyriform fossa. One month later, vocal cord movements were fully recovered. It should be noted that bilateral vocal cord palsy is a possible complication associated with use of the LMA.
Related Concept Videos
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation II: ACLS Airway Management
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation V: Advanced Airway Management Techniques
Larynx
Anatomy of the Larynx
The larynx consists of various components, including cartilage, muscles, and vocal cords. Its structure includes three large unpaired cartilages—the thyroid, cricoid, and epiglottis—and three smaller paired cartilages—the arytenoids, corniculates, and...
Ventilatory Modes
There are three ventilatory modes: full support, partial support, and spontaneous. These are described below.
Full Support Modes
Full support modes include controlled mechanical ventilation, continuous mandatory...
Acute Respiratory Failure-III
Tracheostomy Decannulation
Description of the Procedure
Decannulation refers to the permanent removal of the tracheostomy tube, signaling the resolution of the condition that initially necessitated the tracheostomy. The process requires a well-coordinated interplay between...
