Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 26, 2026

Minimally Invasive Murine Laryngoscopy for Close-Up Imaging of Laryngeal Motion During Breathing and Swallowing
Published on: December 1, 2023
Velopharyngeal insufficiency clinic: the first 18 months
Scott Hamilton1, Murad Husein, Anne Dworschak-Stokan
1Department of Otolaryngology, London Health Sciences Centre, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario.
Objectives:
To profile the presentation and management of patients seen at a velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) clinic and to explore the role of commonly used investigations in the workup of VPI.
Design:
Retrospective review.
Setting:
Tertiary care VPI clinic.
Methods:
A computerized database created at the time of patient assessment was accessed to review 75 patients seen over an 18-month span.
Main Outcome Measures:
Descriptive analysis of patient demographics, presenting complaints, pathophysiology, and treatment. The incidence of chromosome 22q microdeletion in patients presenting to such a clinic was also determined.
Results:
The most common etiology was persistent VPI following prior cleft palate surgery. Eleven percent of presenting patients were identified with 22q microdeletion by fluorescent in situ hybridization testing.
Conclusions:
VPI is the result of a wide number of etiologies, with a high incidence of 22q microdeletion identified. Routine genetic testing in VPI clinics is advocated.
Related Concept Videos
Suctioning the Oropharyngeal Airway
After assembling the equipment, the nurse should practice hand hygiene and don appropriate PPE according to infection control guidelines to avoid the...
Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...
Suctioning the Nasopharyngeal Airway
Equipment Required
Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction
Etiology
The primary cause of esophageal strictures is long-standing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), accounting for about 70 to 80% of adult cases. Chronic acid reflux can lead to injury and scarring of the esophageal lining, culminating in...
Pyloric Obstruction
Pharynx
Nasopharynx
The nasopharynx, bordered by the conchae of the nasal cavity, serves exclusively as an air conduit. In its superior region, the pharyngeal tonsils or adenoids are located. These tonsils are clusters of lymphoid reticular tissue akin to a lymph node. The precise...