A portable high-speed camera system for vocal fold examinations

Area of Science:

• Laryngology
• Speech Science
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Accurate vocal fold vibration analysis is crucial for diagnosing voice disorders.
• Traditional videostroboscopy has limitations in capturing rapid laryngeal dynamics.
• High-speed imaging offers potential for more detailed laryngeal assessments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel, portable, low-cost high-speed imaging system for vocal fold examination.
• To compare the diagnostic capabilities of this new system with standard videostroboscopy.
• To evaluate the system's utility in clinical settings.

Main Methods:

• A Fastec 1 monochrome camera and newly developed High-Speed Studio (HSS) software were utilized.
• The system offers video/image recording, database management, and analysis of glottal vibratory parameters.
• Clinical use since 2011 with over 2000 patient examinations.
• High-speed recordings (≥4000 fps, ISO 3200) were analyzed for parameters like kymogram, phase asymmetry, and mucosal wave.

Main Results:

• The Fastec/HSS system demonstrated sufficient resolution and sensitivity for detailed vocal fold function analysis.
• Software enables comprehensive analysis of glottal vibrations and individual vocal fold movements.
• Blinded analysis of 32 patients showed high-speed recordings were significantly superior for analyzing glottal parameters (e.g., mucosal wave, vibration asymmetry) compared to videostroboscopy.

Conclusions:

• The monochrome high-speed system is suitable for daily clinical use within standard examination times.
• It allows for detailed analysis of voice disorders and laryngeal pathology.
• The system offers a relatively low-cost solution for advanced laryngeal imaging.