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Synthetic, Multi-Layer, Self-Oscillating Vocal Fold Model Fabrication
Published on: December 2, 2011
Chick chorioallantoic membrane as a model for simulating human true vocal folds
Matthew S Broadhurst1, James B Kobler, James A Burns
1Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
The Annals of Otology, Rhinology, and Laryngology
|January 26, 2008
Summary
The chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model effectively simulates human vocal fold microcirculation. CAM vessels, particularly second- and third-order, mimic vascular abnormalities seen in phonotraumatic lesions during surgery.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Surgical Innovation
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Photoangiolytic laser techniques are advancing for vocal fold lesion treatment.
- A reliable surgical model is needed for research and training in vocal fold microsurgery.
- The chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) offers a potential model due to its suspended microvasculature.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the CAM microvasculature as a model for human vocal fold superficial lamina propria (SLP) microcirculation.
- To compare CAM vessel diameters with those of superficial vessels in human vocal folds.
Main Methods:
- Vessel diameters of first-, second-, and third-order CAM vessels were measured in fertilized chicken eggs.
- Superficial blood vessels in human vocal folds were measured from intraoperative images.
Main Results:
- CAM vessels exhibited average diameters of 0.035 mm (first-order), 0.18 mm (second-order), and 0.8 mm (third-order).
- Human vocal fold superficial vessels had an average diameter of 0.04 mm.
- First-order CAM vessels closely approximated normal vocal fold subepithelial vessel size.
Conclusions:
- The CAM microvasculature in albumen serves as a valuable surgical model for the human vocal fold SLP.
- While first-order CAM vessels match normal vessels, higher-order vessels simulate common vascular abnormalities in phonotraumatic lesions.
