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Updated: Mar 7, 2026
An Implantable System For Chronic In Vivo Electromyography
Published on: April 21, 2020
Unilateral Laryngeal Pacing System and Its Functional Evaluation.
Taiping Zeng1, Zhiping Zhang2, Weiwei Peng3
1State Key Laboratory of Robotics, Shenyang Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science & Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
Researchers developed a new system to reactivate paralyzed vocal folds using electromyography (EMG) signals. This instrumental system successfully synchronized vocal fold movement in a canine model of unilateral vocal fold paralysis.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Otolaryngology
- Neuroprosthetics
Background:
- Unilateral vocal fold paralysis significantly impacts voice quality and airway function.
- Current treatment options for vocal fold paralysis have limitations.
- Restoring synchronized vocal fold movement is crucial for functional recovery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a reliable instrumental system for synchronized reactivation of unilaterally paralyzed vocal folds.
- To assess the functional feasibility of an electromyography (EMG)-triggered laryngeal pacing system.
Main Methods:
- A unilateral vocal fold paralysis model was created by damaging the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) in dogs.
- An electronic system recorded EMG signals from the cricothyroid (CT) muscle to trigger pacing of the paralyzed vocalis muscle.
- Vocal fold dynamics were monitored via endoscopy, and glottic function was quantified using image processing software.
Main Results:
- The developed system successfully reactivated the paralyzed vocal fold in the canine model.
- The paralyzed vocal fold's movement was synchronized with the healthy side.
- The system demonstrated functional feasibility for treating unilateral vocal fold paralysis.
Conclusions:
- The developed unilateral laryngeal pacing system, triggered by ipsilateral CT muscle EMG, is effective for unilateral vocal fold paralysis.
- This system offers a promising approach for restoring vocal fold function with minimal disturbance to healthy tissues.
- Further research may explore clinical applications for patients with vocal fold paralysis.
