Dynamic Biomechanical Analysis of Vocal Folds Using Pipette Aspiration Technique

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Soft Tissue Mechanics
• Phonation Science

Background:

• Vocal fold material properties are crucial for voice production but are understudied.
• Measuring soft tissue elasticity is challenging due to complex experimental requirements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate vocal fold elasticity using a dynamic pipette aspiration technique.
• To assess the frequency-dependent complex elasticity of vocal fold tissue.
• To analyze tissue property changes over time and correlations within vocal fold pairs.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a dynamic pipette aspiration technique to measure vocal fold elasticity.
• Measured elasticity in the frequency range of 100-1000 Hz.
• Assessed complex elasticity via phase shift between pressure and tissue movement.
• Applied technique to porcine larynges at 4 hours and 1 day postmortem.

Main Results:

• Vocal fold pairs exhibited distinct absolute elasticity values.
• Similar trends in elasticity were observed between vocal fold pairs.
• Tissue deterioration over time was investigated.

Conclusions:

• Vocal fold elasticity trends may be more significant for phonation than absolute values.
• The dynamic pipette aspiration technique shows promise for future in-vivo applications.
• Further research is needed to fully understand the role of material properties in voice production.