The Adjustable Layngeal Implant

A modifiable laryngeal implant made of titanium has been developed for the treatment of unilateral vocal fold paralysis. The implant includes three parts: a plate that allows fixation to the thyroid cartilage, a block of titanium which includes the adjustable part, and a micrometric screw in the middle of the lateral side of the block, which moves the adjustable part. Defined medialization is accomplished by modifiable the screw which also allow easy secondary adjustments. This retrospective study assesses clinical outcomes of medialization laryngoplasty with the titanium changeable implant, in patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis. This study has the boundaries of a retrospective study. However, prelude outcome are hopeful. Examination of one-sided responses confirmed marked growth in laryngeal function, speech, and swallowing. The adjustable laryngeal implant has many advantages including: precise medialization, ease of secondary adjustment, and perseveration of the mucosal wave.

Journal of Voice, Volume 15, Issue 1, March 2001, Pages 141-150Carole M. Dean, Christian Ahmarani, Maurice Bettez, Reinhardt J. Heuer

Vocal Fold Paresis and Paralysis

Identification and treatment of the motionless vocal fold are challenging for the otolaryngologist. True paralysis and paresis result from vocal fold denervation secondary to injury to the laryngeal. Vocal fold paresis or paralysis may be unilateral or bilateral, central or marginal and it may engage the frequent laryngeal nerve, superior laryngeal nerve, or both. The physician's first job in any case of vocal fold paresis or paralysis is to verify the finding and be sure that the laryngeal activity impairment is not caused by arytenoid cartilage dislocation or subluxation, cricoarytenoid arthritis or ankylosis, neoplasm, or other mechanical causes.

With this journal I found it to be extremely educational. It breaks down the information into several different sections that includes treatments, evaluation, anatomy, paralysis in children, etc. For someone who is pretty much clueless to the disorder, this journal will give you a great understanding of the disorder as well as treatments.

Otolaryngologic Clinics of North America, Volume 40, Issue 5, October 2007, Pages 1109-1131Adam D. Rubin, Robert T. Sataloff