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Published on: December 2, 2011
Substitute voice production: quantification of PE segment vibrations using a biomechanical model
Raphael Schwarz1, Björn Huttner, Michael Döllinger
1Healthcare Sector and the Imaging & Therapy Division Magnetic Resonance, Siemens AG, 91052 Erlangen, Germany. raphael.schwarz@siemens.com
IEEE Transactions on Bio-Medical Engineering
|May 12, 2011
Summary
This study introduces a biomechanical model to quantify pharyngoesophageal (PE) segment vibrations after larynx removal for voice restoration. The model accurately reproduces tissue movements, aiding in understanding voice quality after cancer surgery.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Speech Science
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Total larynx excision for laryngeal cancer necessitates alternative voice generation methods.
- Pharyngoesophageal (PE) segment vibrations are crucial for substitute voice quality.
- Objective quantification of PE segment dynamics is needed for voice rehabilitation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a biomechanical model for quantifying PE segment vibrations.
- To establish a method for objective analysis of voice production after laryngectomy.
- To improve understanding of the relationship between PE segment dynamics and substitute voice quality.
Main Methods:
- A biomechanical model was developed to simulate PE segment tissue vibrations.
- An optimization procedure was used to automatically determine model parameters.
- High-speed (HS) videos were utilized to extract tissue movements for model adaptation.
- The method was evaluated using synthetic data and real HS recordings.
Main Results:
- The optimization procedure achieved a mean error of 8.2% in parameter determination.
- Overall stability of the model parameter determination was 7.1%.
- Application to HS recordings showed a mean correlation of 82% for vibration patterns.
Conclusions:
- The proposed biomechanical modeling approach offers an objective method for quantifying PE segment vibrations.
- This quantification is essential for analyzing and improving substitute voice quality in laryngectomized patients.
- The validated model aids in advancing voice rehabilitation strategies post-laryngectomy.
