A quantitative study of the medial surface dynamics of an in vivo canine vocal fold during phonation

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: The purpose of this study was to measure the medial surface dynamics of a canine vocal fold during phonation. In particular, displacements, velocities, accelerations, and relative phase velocities of vocal fold fleshpoints were reported across the entire medial surface. Although the medial surface dynamics have a profound influence on voice production, such data are rare because of the inaccessibility of the vocal folds. STUDY DESIGN: Medial surface dynamics were investigated during both normal and fry-like phonation as a function of innervation to the recurrent laryngeal nerve for conditions of constant glottal airflow. METHODS: An in vivo canine model was used. The larynx was dissected similar to methods described in previous excised hemilarynx experiments. Phonation was induced with artificial airflow and innervation to the recurrent laryngeal nerve. The recordings were obtained using a high-speed digital imaging system. Three dimensional coordinates were computed for fleshpoints along the entire medial surface. The trajectories of the fleshpoints were preprocessed using the method of Empirical Eigenfunctions. RESULTS: Although considerable variability existed within the data, in general, the medial-lateral displacements and vertical displacements of the vocal fold fleshpoints were large compared with anterior-posterior displacements. For both normal and fry-like phonation, the largest displacements and velocities were concentrated in the upper medial portion. During normal phonation, the mucosal wave propagated primarily in a vertical direction. Above a certain threshold of subglottal pressure (or stimulation to the recurrent laryngeal nerve), an abrupt transition from chest-like to fry-like phonation was observed. CONCLUSIONS: The study reports unique, quantitative data regarding the medial surface dynamics of an in vivo canine vocal fold during phonation, capturing both chest-like and fry-like vibration patterns. These data quantify a complex set of dynamics. The mathematical modeling of such complexity is still in its infancy and requires quantitative data of this nature for development, validation, and testing.     

声带振动功能的定量检测

目的：探讨声带振动功能的定量检测技术及其影响因素。方法：应用计算机软件,分析６０例正常人动态喉镜图像和电声门图参数,结合性别、频率和声强,进行统计分析。结果：声带振动周期中发声频率增加伴随开放相相对延长（ＣＱ减小,ＯＱ增大）,而声强增加则开放相相对缩短,且渐闭相缩短更明显（ＯＱ减小,ＳＱ增大）,男性较女性声门闭合相长（ＯＱ小）。发声时声带闭合的速度大于开放的速度（ＣＶ〈ＯＶ,ＣＣＰ〈ＣＯＰ）。结论     

Endoscopic lateralization of the vocal fold

Vocal fold paralysis in adduction can result in significant breathing difficulties. Techniques such as vocal fold lateralization and/or arytenoidopexy help to improve respiratory function in this setting. These techniques require open approach or specific instruments. The authors describe an original vocal fold lateralization technique performed exclusively via an endoscopic approach. This technique helps to enlarge the glottic aperture, while preserving laryngeal architecture, and permanently improves respiratory function in patients with vocal fold paralysis in adduction.     

Rejection of injectable silicone “Bioplastique” used for vocal fold augmentation

A rare case of repeated granulomatous inflammation after silicone injection laryngoplasty for vocal fold immobility as well as its treatment by endoscopic approach is reported. The patient presented a right-sided vocal fold immobility after laryngeal trauma and remained dysphonic despite of logopedic voice therapy because of severe glottal insufficiency. An endoscopic transoral intrafold silicone injection was applied to improve the vocal function. Silicone granuloma inflammation was observed 8 days after the vocal fold augmentation. Oral broad-spectrum antibiotics and corticosteroids did not improve the inflammation. A cordotomy was performed to remove the silicone implant. After 3 months, a second endoscopic surgical intervention was necessary to remove a recurrent silicone granuloma. Eight months after the second surgical intervention, the inflammation had disappeared. An autologous fat injection to restore the glottal closure was performed successfully. Type IV contact allergy was excluded with an epicutaneous patch and scratch test with components of the silicone implant. Clinical and treatment observations are reported and the literature on complications of intrafold injected silicone for vocal fold augmentation is reviewed.     

Videostroboscopic assessment of unilateral vocal fold paralysis after augmentation with autologous fascia

Vocal fold augmentation by injection laryngoplasty is a simple and fast procedure. The aim of this prospective study was to assess the glottal closure and the travelling mucosal wave by videostroboscopic images after autologous fascia augmentation in unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP) with a special reference to objective analysis of voice. A total of 14 UVFP patients with poor voice and open glottal gap were assessed by videostroboscopy, blinded perceptual evaluation of running speech and acoustical analysis of sustained vowel. Data were collected before the procedure and at a supplementary evaluation 5–32 months (mean: 13 months) after injection of autologous fascia deep into the paralysed vocal fold. Mean age was 59 years; there were eight women and six men. Frame-by-frame video analysis revealed that before the operation 10 out of 12 had large glottal gaps without any contact between vocal folds on phonation. After the procedure seven gaps were completely closed, four partly, and two had no mucosal contact in stroboscopic examination. Maximum gap between vocal folds decreased from 7.21 units to 1.65 units (paired t-test P<0.001). Mucosal wave amplitude symmetry and phase synchrony were present in most subjects with partial closure and phase synchrony in every patient with a proper glottic closure. A panel of listeners rated voice to be significantly better (P<0.01) ) after the procedure, and the improvement in acoustical parameters was also statistically significant (P<0.01). There was a good correlation between objective voice analysis and videostroboscopy. Residual glottal gap was the major reason for less than optimal postoperative voice. No signs of hampered mucosal wave were noticed. Videostroboscopy and objective voice analysis suggest that augmentation by autologous fascia does not induce scar or fibrous tissue in the subepithelial space. Slight over-correction should be attempted initially in order to accomplish sufficient augmentation. This might enhance complete glottic closure and improve the outcome.     

声带良性病变的电声门图波形特征和参数分析

目的 :探讨电声门图 (EGG)在声带良性病变中测试的敏感性、特异性及其临床应用价值。方法 :对36 5例显微喉镜手术前后的声带息肉、声带囊肿和声带白斑患者进行EGG测试 ,分析其波形和参数。结果 :声带息肉、囊肿和白斑患者术前EGG波形多数异常 ,尤以波形呈单一固定的切迹或渐开相陡直为主 ,术后波形多数转为正常 ,每组患者手术前后EGG波形间差异均有极显著性 ,而不同病变之间EGG波形无差异。声带息肉和囊肿间EGG参数值无差异 ,而白斑患者接触率 (CQ)值相对较低 ,接触幂 (CI)相对较高。显微喉镜术后 ,息肉和囊肿患者EGG参数基频微扰 (jitter)、振幅微扰 (shimmer)、谐噪比 (HNR)、CQ和接触微扰 (CQP)改善 ,而白斑患者仅HNR提高。结论 :EGG波形在声带良性病变的检测中具有一定的灵敏度 ,而无特异性 ,其参数值受局部病灶和声带内在炎症的影响。     

Composite myo-mucosal reconstruction of the vocal fold

It is well established that after cordectomy or radiation therapy for early glottic carcinomas varying disturbances of the voice occur. This has led some clinicians to consider the need for surgical reconstruction of the vocal fold. Since functional results desired have still not been achieved, vocal fold reconstruction was performed using a combination of the muscular flap described by Pogosov and the free mucosal transplant reported by Isshiki. This surgical approach has now been performed on 11 cases with excellent functional results. The technique has provided a suitable mass of the reconstructed vocal fold and also allows very close contact between the vocal folds during the closed phase of the vibratory cycles. Postoperative voice quality has been almost within physiological limits.     

神经源性声带运动障碍与喉神经电生理

声带运动障碍的病因和临床表现复杂多变,涉及多学科,从病因上分为神经源性和非神经源性。对于神经源性声带运动障碍的诊治,首先通过喉镜等检查明确有无声带运动障碍及严重程度,值得注意的是声带纵向张力变化障碍也属于运动障碍的范畴;然后采用喉肌电图（LEMG）检查进行定性分析,在确诊神经源性损伤后,进一步对神经损伤部位进行定位诊断并查找导致神经损伤的病因;同时根据喉部神经电生理评估结果,判断预后。最后综合上述的评估结果制定相应的治疗策略。     

The first case of osteoma in the false vocal fold

Objectives

This article reports the first evidence of a larynx osteoma of the false vocal fold.

Study design

Case report and literature review.

Methods

Case report and review of previously published cases of larynx osteomas.

Results

A 79-year-old patient was referred to our institution for dysphagia and hoarseness. Fibrolaryngoscopy showed a regular surface tumefaction of the false fold and the left ventricle, with preserved cordal motility. Patient underwent direct laryngoscopy with CO₂ laser excision of the lesion. Pathologic examination of the lesion (1.6 cm × 1 cm) showed features consistent with an osteoma. Complete regression of symptoms was observed after surgery, with no lesions found on routine 1-year follow-up.

Conclusions

Osteomas are benign, slow growing tumors of the craniofacial bone area, very rarely located in the larynx. Although the etiology is unknown, accepted theories point to embryologic, post-traumatic and infectious causes. Surgical excision is indicated only in symptomatic cases. This case report is the fourth evidence of laryngeal osteoma and, to our knowledge, the first finding of a false vocal fold osteoma.     

In vivo measurement of the elastic properties of the human vocal fold

The ability to measure the biomechanical properties of the vocal fold in vivo is both an aid to diagnosis and enhances our knowledge of how the vocal folds operate. This paper details a new instrument that is capable of taking readings of the spring rate of the vocal fold in a repeatable manner. We also present three sets of readings taken from two volunteer patients. Patient 1 was suffering from polyp growth, and the data presented are taken from both the damaged vocal fold and the healthy vocal fold. The third set of readings was obtained from a similar volunteer and taken from a healthy vocal fold. It can be seen that the data obtained from the healthy vocal folds are similar and that the data obtained from the diseased vocal fold is at variance.