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Updated: Aug 29, 2026
Synthetic, Multi-Layer, Self-Oscillating Vocal Fold Model Fabrication
Published on: December 2, 2011
Asymmetric Vibration Animal Phonation Model with A Reconstructive Curved and Medialized Titanium Implant Vocal Fold
Qiuhui Cheng1, Nan Huang2, Zhixue Xiao2
1Department of Otolaryngology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510080, China; Department of Otolaryngology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, 510150 Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
Objective:
Asymmetric vocal fold vibration caused by unilateral biomechanical alteration is common in laryngeal disorders and presents a challenge for functional reconstruction. This study aimed to investigate phonatory and vibratory outcomes in asymmetric glottic configurations reconstructed with materials of different stiffness.
Methods:
Two asymmetric curved-surface (CS) vocal fold models were developed. A silicone-based single-layer model (Si-CS) and a titanium-based bi-layer model (Ti-CS) were constructed and compared with symmetric controls. Twenty-four excised canine larynges were used to establish the Si-CS model. In addition, 20 beagle larynges were harvested following unilateral vocal fold resection and healing after type I thyroplasty with titanium implantation. Phonation threshold pressure (PTP), phonation threshold flow (PTF), phonation threshold power (PTW), acoustic parameters, and high-speed imaging were analyzed.
Results:
In the Si-CS model, PTP and PTW were significantly increased compared with controls (P < 0.05), whereas acoustic parameters and vibratory amplitude remained comparable. In the Ti-CS model, both PTP and PTW were significantly elevated (P < 0.05). Fundamental frequency, jitter, and shimmer showed no significant differences, while harmonic-to-noise ratio (HNR) decreased significantly (P < 0.05). High-speed imaging demonstrated reduced vibratory amplitude in the anterior and midfold regions, with relatively preserved posterior vibration.
Conclusion:
Curved-surface reconstruction with increased stiffness can preserve near-normal phonatory characteristics despite elevated aerodynamic thresholds. Titanium-based asymmetric reconstruction following vocal fold resection maintains vibratory periodicity but alters regional vibratory dynamics and acoustic harmonic structure.
