Modified thyroplasty for unilateral vocal fold paralysis using an adjustable titanium implant

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Surgical Innovation

Background:

• Unilateral vocal cord paralysis often leads to impaired phonation and aspiration.
• Current treatment options for vocal cord paralysis have limitations.
• A need exists for adjustable and minimally invasive surgical interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe and evaluate a new adjustable titanium thyroplasty implant for treating unilateral vocal cord paralysis.
• To assess the efficacy and safety of this novel implant in a canine model.

Main Methods:

• Six Beagle dogs were used, divided into experimental (implant) and control groups.
• The experimental group received a titanium screw implant after recurrent laryngeal nerve section.
• Procedures included video laryngoscopy, CT scans, and histopathology before and after surgery, with a 4-month follow-up.

Main Results:

• The adjustable titanium implant successfully induced internal arytenoid cartilage shift, enabling vocal cord adduction and glottic closure.
• Video laryngoscopy confirmed vocal cord repositioning in the experimental group, contrasting with the control group.
• CT scans verified correct implant placement, and histopathology revealed expected local inflammation and potential muscle atrophy.

Conclusions:

• The adjustable titanium thyroplasty implant is a simple, effective treatment for unilateral vocal cord paralysis.
• The implant allows for immediate, significant adjustments and demonstrates no observed rejection.
• This innovative device offers a promising, efficient solution for improving vocal cord function.