Voice outcome in medialisation thyroplasty with and without arytenoid adduction: a prospective comparison using intraoperative voice measurements.

PURPOSE: Arytenoid adduction as an addition to medialisation thyroplasty is highly advocated by some surgeons in selected cases but deemed less necessary by others in patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis. This study aims to evaluate the additional benefits on voice outcome of arytenoid adduction in patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis undergoing medialisation thyroplasty using intra-operative voice measurements. DESIGN/METHODS: A prospective study was conducted. Voice audio recordings were obtained at 4 moments; 1. direct prior to the start of surgery, 2. during surgery after medialisation thyroplasty, 3. during surgery after medialisation and arytenoid adduction, 3 months postoperative. At these same timepoints patients rated their own voice on a numeric rating scale between 0 and 10. The blinded recordings were rated by consensus in a team of experienced listeners, using the Grade of the GRBAS scale. Furthermore, the Voice Handicap Index was administered before and at 3 months after surgery. RESULTS: Ten patients who underwent medialisation and arytenoid adduction at our tertiary referral hospital between 2021 and 2022, were included. One patient was excluded after surgery. The intraoperative measurements showed a Grade score of 1.4 preoperatively, improving to 1.2 after medialisation, 1.2 after medialisation and arytenoid adduction, and further improving to 0.4 at 3 months postoperative, which was a not statistically significant improvement (p = 0.2). The intraoperative subjective numeric rating scale showed a statistically significant improvement from 3.9 preoperatively, to 6.1 after medialisation, 7.1 after medialisation and arytenoid adduction and a 7.6 at 3 months postoperative (p = 0.001). The Voice Handicap Index total score showed a statistically significant improvement from 71 points before surgery to 13 at 3 months after surgery (p = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: Our study using intraoperative voice measurements indicate that the addition of arytenoid adduction to medialisation thyroplasty is a benefit in selected patients although more studies are needed due to the many limitations inherent to this field of investigation.

Implementation of a prototype dynamic laryngoplasty system in standing sedated horses provided arytenoid abduction control at seven days postoperatively.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate a prototype dynamic laryngoplasty system (DLPS) in horses; a feasibility study. ANIMALS: 7 healthy Standardbred adult horses. METHODS: This was an in vivo experimental study. Horses had a standing surgical procedure to induce complete laryngeal hemiplegia, which was subsequently treated using the dynamic laryngoplasty system (DLPS). Activation of the DLPS was achieved using an injection port exiting through the skin (n = 2) or a subcutaneous injection port (n = 5). For each horse, endoscopic examinations of the upper respiratory tract were performed preoperatively, intraoperatively, and 7 days postoperatively. Left-to-right quotient ratios calculated during inactivated and activated states were obtained from still images of the rima glottidis acquired during day 7. In 3 horses, the device was intentionally overinflated to evaluate for device failure, and postmortem examinations were performed on day 7. For the remaining 4 horses, upper respiratory tract endoscopy was repeated at 1 month postoperatively, with no subsequent postmortem exam. RESULTS: No perioperative complications occurred, and the DLPS was effectively delivered in all horses under standing sedation. The left-to-right quotient ratio at day 7 postoperatively could be altered from a resting position of 0.76 (± 0.06) to a maximum of 0.97 (± 0.06; P < .05). The degree of arytenoid abduction could not be significantly altered after 1 month of device implantation, suspected to be due to peri-implant fibrosis. No coughing nor tracheal contamination was observed at all time points or during inflation. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The ability to alter the degree of abduction at 7 days postoperatively with the DLPS may be beneficial in selective cases.

Subtotal Submucosal Arytenoidectomy with Lateralization Sutures (SMALS) Covered by a Mucosal Flap.

OBJECTIVE: Glottic airway stenosis (GAWS) may result from bilateral paralysis (BVFP) or posterior glottic stenosis (PGS). Since the glottis is the principal airway sphincter, surgeons shift on the balance between airway, aspirations, and voice. We aim to describe our surgical technique and outcome of the SMALS procedure for GAWS correction. METHODS: A retrospective cohort of patients who underwent SMALS for PGS between 2018 and 2021. SMALS involves: endoscopic submucosal subtotal arytenoidectmy (preserving medial mucosal flap) and lateralization sutures. The sutures lateralize the mucosal flap to cover the arytenoidectomy bed without lateralization of the membranous vocal fold; expanding the posterior glottis, while preserving a relatively good voice. Covering the arytenoidectomy bed enhances healing. Medical and surgical data, airway, voice, and swallowing symptoms were collected. Relative glottic opening area (RGOA) and relative glottic insufficiency area (RGIA) were calculated. RESULTS: Eleven PGS patients who underwent 15 SMALS were included (4 bilateral), all patients had post-intubation PGS, 1 patient also had prior radiation to the larynx. All patients were tracheostomy-dependent. There were no major complications. No granulation or retracting scar was observed at follow-up. None had a persistent voice or swallowing disability. Successful outcome (decannulation) was achieved in 8 (73%); RGOA increased in all (Δ = 0.37; p = 0.003), while RGIA remained relatively stable (Δ = 0.02; p = 0.055). CONCLUSIONS: SMALS is a safe and effective, novel modification of the classic arytenoidectomy, for GAWS correction that can be easily applied and may expand the airway without significant glottic insufficiency symptoms. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 134:353-360, 2024.

Hoarseness and arytenoid dislocation: A rare complication after facial bony contouring surgery.

BACKGROUND: Arytenoid dislocation is a rare complication after endotracheal intubation and may result in permanent hoarseness, which cannot be tolerated during cosmetic surgeries, such as facial bony contouring surgery. This study aimed to identify the clinical characteristics of this patient subgroup and share the process of diagnosis and treatment. METHODS: We retrospectively collected the medical records of patients who underwent facial bony contouring surgery under general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation from September 2017 to July 2022. We divided the patients into a nondislocation group and a dislocation group. Demographic, anesthetic, and surgical characteristics were collected and compared. RESULTS: 441 patients were enrolled, and 5 (1.1%) were diagnosed with arytenoid dislocation. The patients in the dislocation group were more likely to be intubated with the video laryngoscope (P = 0.049), and head-neck movement during surgery may predispose patients to arytenoid dislocation (P = 0.019). The patients in the dislocation group were diagnosed around 5-37 days after surgery. Three of them regained their normal voice after close reduction, and two recovered with speech therapy. CONCLUSION: Arytenoid dislocation may result from multiple factors instead of one high-risk factor. Head-neck movement, the skills and experience of anesthetists, the time of intubation, and the use of intubation tools may all predispose patients to arytenoid dislocation. To acquire timely diagnosis and treatment, patients should be fully informed of this complication before surgery and observed closely afterward. Any postoperative voice or laryngeal symptoms lasting more than 7 days need a specialist evaluation.

Three-dimensional models of the equine larynx can be used to perform traditional measures of arytenoid abduction and permit the positioning of modeled implants to demonstrate the anatomic feasibility of placing a rigid implant across the cricoarytenoid joint.

OBJECTIVE: To develop 3D models of larynges to compare arytenoid abduction measurements between specimens and models, and to investigate the anatomic feasibility of placing an implant across the cricoarytenoid joint (CAJ) with or without arthrotomy. SAMPLES: Cadaveric equine larynges (n = 9). PROCEDURES: Equine larynges underwent sequential CT scans in a neutral position and with 2 arytenoid treatments: bilateral arytenoid abduction (ABD) and bilateral arytenoid abduction after left cricoarytenoid joint arthrotomy (ARTH). Soft tissue, cartilage, and luminal volume 3-dimensional models were generated. Rima glottidis cross-sectional area (CSA) and left-to-right quotient (LRQ) angles were measured on laryngeal specimens and models. Arytenoid translation, articular contact area, and length of modeled implants placed across the CAJ were measured on models. Data were analyzed using paired t test or ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test or non-parametric equivalents (P < .05). RESULTS: ARTH CSA was larger for laryngeal specimens than models (P = .0096). There was no difference in all other measures of CSA and LRQ angle between treatment groups or between specimens and models. There was no difference between ABD and ARTH groups for arytenoid cartilage translation, contact area, and implant length. The articular contact area was sufficient for modeled implant placement across the CAJ with a narrow range of implant lengths (17.59 mm to 23.87 mm) across larynges with or without arthrotomy. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These results support further investigation of a CT-guided, minimally invasive surgical procedure. Future studies will evaluate the outcomes of the new procedure for technical precision, biomechanical stability, and post-operative success rates for horses with recurrent laryngeal neuropathy (RLN).

[Forensic sex diagnosis of an adult on the features of arytenoid cartilage]. / Sudebno-meditsinskaya diagnostika polovoi prinadlezhnosti vzroslogo cheloveka po priznakam morfometrii cherpalovidnykh khryashchei.

The algorithm of forensic medical examination depending on the features of arytenoid cartilage (AC) is presented in this article. The result of the proposed algorithm is the maintenance of accuracy and validity of sex diagnostic by the step-by-step method application of one-dimensional (ODA) and multidimensional (MDA) discriminant analysis. The method involves fixation of the values of left-hand and right-hand arytenoid cartilages features: distance from the apex to the muscular process, distance from the apex to the vocal tubercle, distance between the muscular and vocal tubercles, breadth of the facies articularis, surface and mass of either left-handed and right-handed arytenoid cartilages separately, or their sums. The application of one-dimensional discriminant analysis allows to determine the categories of features on a 5-point scale and to get 3 forms of conclusions depending on the proposed decision rule: a reliable solution (the problem is solved), probable solution (additional research is needed) and uncertain solution (cancellation of decision). The discriminant functions are additionally calculated for the models of multidimensional discriminant analysis separately for men and women in case of probable solution. The comparison of them determines the choice of sex and the form of expert conclusions.

Outcome following elective unilateral arytenoid lateralization performed in an outpatient manner is comparable to hospitalization for dogs with laryngeal paralysis.

OBJECTIVE: To compare outcomes and short-term complications of dogs with laryngeal paralysis treated with unilateral arytenoid lateralization performed on an outpatient versus inpatient basis. ANIMALS: 44 client-owned dogs. PROCEDURES: Medical records were retrospectively reviewed to identify dogs that underwent unilateral arytenoid lateralization for the treatment of laryngeal paralysis between 2018 and 2022. Signalment, surgical technique, anesthesia time, comorbidities, laryngeal examination, concurrent procedures, use of prokinetics and sedatives, episodes of vomiting, episodes of regurgitation, duration of hospitalization, postoperative complications, anxiety scores, and pain scores were recorded. Variables were compared between dogs and grouped by outpatient or inpatient management. RESULTS: The overall complication rate was 22.7% (10/44), with 35% (7/20) being in the inpatient group and 12.5% (3/24) being in the outpatient group. The overall mortality rate was 6.8% (3/44). The overall morbidity for hospitalized patients versus those undergoing and outpatient procedure was 5% (1/20) and 4.2% (1/24), respectively. There was no significant difference between overall rate of complications and mortality rates between the inpatient and outpatient groups. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggested that outpatient management of dogs with laryngeal paralysis treated with elective unilateral arytenoid lateralization is an appropriate method of postoperative management with no difference in complication or mortality rates. Further prospective studies with standardized surgical, sedative, and antiemetic protocols are warranted to evaluate more definitely.

Evaluation of two unilateral laryngoplasty techniques and their effect on arytenoid cartilage abduction in cats.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate two unilateral laryngoplasty (arytenoid lateralisation) techniques for use in the surgical management of laryngeal paralysis in cats. METHODS: Left cricoarytenoid abduction (lateralisation) was performed in 20 ex vivo cat larynges; 10 following complete cricoarytenoid disarticulation (group LAA-dis) and 10 following no cricoarytenoid disarticulation (group LAA-nodis). For both groups, left arytenoid abduction (LAA) was measured in the resting and postoperative larynges using image analysis software. Measurements were evaluated using the Mann-Whitney U-test. For both groups, dorsal images of the postoperative larynges were assessed visually for evidence of epiglottic coverage of the entrance to the larynx. RESULTS: The mean percentage increase in LAA was 311.5% and 199.4% (P <0.006) for group LAA-dis (complete cricoarytenoid disarticulation) and group LAA-nodis (no cricoarytenoid disarticulation), respectively. In both groups, there was no evidence of a lack of epiglottic coverage of the entrance of the larynx for any of the postoperative larynges. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Placement of a single, tensioned suture between the muscular process of the left arytenoid cartilage and the caudolateral aspect of the ipsilateral cricoid cartilage (unilateral cricoarytenoid lateralisation) resulted in abduction of the left arytenoid cartilage and a corresponding increase in the area of the rima glottidis on the operated side. The clinical significance of the difference in outcome between left cricoarytenoid abduction following complete cricoarytenoid disarticulation and abduction following no cricoarytenoid disarticulation remains unclear, and both might be considered appropriate for the surgical management of laryngeal paralysis in the cat.

A biomechanical comparison of a novel two-loop suture technique and two sutures for laryngoplasty in the horse.

OBJECTIVES: Evaluation of the strength of the novel suture technique by comparison with a 2-interrupted suture technique. SAMPLE: 40 equine larynges. PROCEDURES: 40 larynges were used; 16 laryngoplasties were performed using the currently accepted 2-suture technique and 16 using the novel suture technique. These specimens were subjected to a single cycle to failure. Eight specimens were used to compare the rima glottidis area achieved with 2 different techniques. RESULTS: The mean force to failure, as well as the rima glottidis area of both constructs, were not significantly different. The cricoid width did not have a significant effect on the force to failure. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Our results suggest that both constructs are equally strong and can achieve a similar cross-sectional area of the rima glottidis. Laryngoplasty ("tie-back") is currently the treatment of choice for horses with exercise intolerance due to recurrent laryngeal neuropathy. Failure to maintain the expected degree of arytenoid abduction post-surgery occurs in some horses. We believe this novel 2-loop pulley load-sharing suture technique can help achieve and, more importantly, maintain the desired degree of abduction during surgery.

Arytenoid granuloma: a single-institution experience of management of 62 cases.

OBJECTIVE: This retrospective study was undertaken to assess the outcome of the medical and/or surgical management of patients presenting with clinical features of arytenoid granuloma. METHODS: The records of 53 males and 9 females were reviewed for predisposing factors, types of treatment received and recurrence following the treatment. RESULTS: Most of the patients (48 out of 62, 77.4 per cent) were treated conservatively with medical management and voice therapy, which resulted in complete resolution of arytenoid granuloma in over two-thirds of the patients treated (32 out of 48, 66.6 per cent). Overall, 28 patients (out of 62, 45.1 per cent) required surgery (14 failed medical treatment cases and 14 surgery as first-line treatment cases). Of these, five patients (out of 28, 17.9 per cent) had recurrence, and were managed with revision surgery and concurrent local injection of Botox. CONCLUSION: Anti-reflux medication and voice therapy are effective first-line management options. Pre- and post-surgery adjuvant treatment improves the results of surgery. Local injection of Botox was successful in the treatment of failed surgical cases.

Partial arytenoidectomy with transoral vocal fold lateralisation in treating airway obstruction secondary to bilateral vocal fold immobility.

OBJECTIVE: To report the outcome of 18 patients with a tracheostomy secondary to bilateral vocal fold immobility, who were managed using reconstructive transoral laser microsurgical techniques. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of the surgical outcome of 18 patients with bilateral vocal fold immobility and a tracheostomy resulting from different aetiologies. Follow-up duration ranged from one to five years. RESULTS: A total of 18 patients had a tracheostomy at presentation because of bilateral true vocal fold immobility and stridor. All cases were treated using reconstructive transoral laser microsurgery with arytenoidectomy and vocal fold lateralisation. All patients were successfully decannulated by eight weeks after surgery. CONCLUSION: Reconstructive transoral laser microsurgery using partial arytenoidectomy with vocal fold lateralisation is minimally invasive, feasible, safe and effective for airway reconstruction in patients who present with stridor due to bilateral true vocal fold immobility.

An Ex-vivo Model Examining Acoustics and Aerodynamic Effects Following Medialization With and Without Arytenoid Adduction.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Quantify differences in acoustics and intraglottal flow fields between Thyroplasty Type 1 (TT1) with and without arytenoid adduction (AA) using excised canine larynx model. STUDY DESIGN: Basic science experiments using excised larynges. METHODS: Surgical procedures were implemented in eight excised canine larynges. Acoustics and intraglottal flow measurements were taken at low and high subglottal pressures in each experimental setup. RESULTS: In all larynges, vocal efficiency (VE) and cepstrum peak prominence (CPP) were higher, and the mean phonatory flow rate was lower in TT1 with AA than without AA. The glottal asymmetry is reduced with AA and promotes the formation of stronger vortices in the glottal flow during the closing phase of the vibrating folds. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest a clear acoustic and aerodynamic benefit to the addition of AA when performing TT1. It shows significant improvement in CPP, translating to decreased breathiness and dysphonia and increased VE, leading to easier and more sustainable phonation. Stronger intraglottal vortices are known to be correlated with the loudness of voice produced by phonation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: N/A Laryngoscope, 133:621-627, 2023.

The Management in Patients With Bilateral Vocal Fold Immobility: 15 Years' Experience at a Tertiary Centre.

OBJECTIVE: In order to correct the varying vocal fold positions to meet the various clinical requirements in patients with bilateral vocal fold immobility, we present pertinent surgical methods to treat them. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 2005 to 2020, 115 patients diagnosed with bilateral vocal fold immobility were addressed for ventilation in 89 patients and for phonation in 26 patients. In the ventilation surgery group, all the neurogenic subjects received mere suture lateralization (SL) procedures and the mechanical ones underwent arytenoid release (AR) plus SL procedures if the cricoarytenoid joint fixation (CAJF) could be confirmed before operation. In the phonation group, neurogenic subjects received nonsurgical treatment and the mechanical ones underwent AR plus arytenoid adduction (AA) procedure. The decannulation rate and respiratory comfort rate for each subgroup will be calculated and the phonatory tests were conducted. RESULTS: In the ventilation group, 55% (49/89) of subjects received related surgeries. Mere SL offered 40 successful decannulation or respiratory comfort in 42 neurogenic subjects (95.2%). The single episode rate was high as 95%. An AR plus SL procedure also obtained 100% of decannulation or respiratory comfort with a single episode of surgical procedure if the CAJF could be confirmed preoperatively. In the phonation group, 15% (4/26) of subjects received appropriate surgeries. Single AR plus AA procedures also led to 100% (4/4) of the appropriate candidates serviceable sound. CONCLUSION: SL procedure keeping intact laryngeal mucosa usually offered permanent glottis enlarging effect or decannulation with a single episode of procedure. The use of arytenoid release for CAJF has led to remarkable advances in the ultimate surgical outcomes of both the ventilation and phonation in terms of decreasing revision surgeries. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: level 4.

Effects of Superomedial Partial Arytenoidectomy on Incomplete Posterior Glottal Closure Caused by Arytenoid Positional Asymmetry in Excised Human Larynges.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the effects that arytenoid positional asymmetry has on posterior glottic closure and to determine whether superomedial partial arytenoidectomy (SPA) can provide a benefit in cases of such asymmetry. METHODS: In this experimental study, we evaluated posterior glottic closure in 10 larynges freshly excised from human cadavers, measuring the distance between the vocal processes before and after artificially simulated positional asymmetry of the arytenoid cartilages. We then performed SPA, after which we again measured the distance between the vocal processes. RESULTS: In all of the larynges studied, the posterior glottic closure went from complete to incomplete after simulation of arytenoid positional asymmetry, the median distance observed between the vocal processes being 1.74mm (interquartile range 0.22). The SPA performed after arytenoid asymmetry caused the posterior glottic closure to return from incomplete to complete in all of the larynges studied. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that arytenoid positional asymmetry impairs posterior glottic closure and that SPA improves posterior glottic closure in such cases of arytenoid asymmetry.

Pediatric Bilateral Vocal Cord Immobility: New Treatment With Preservation of Voice.

OBJECTIVES: Pediatric bilateral vocal cord immobility (BVCI) represents a severe life-threatening condition that often causes severe dyspnea. Endoscopic arytenoid lateral abduction (EALA) is a relatively new, secure, minimal-invasive surgical technique. The present prospective observational study aims to evaluate the effects of EALA in terms of respiratory function, voice quality, and swallowing capabilities. METHODS: Twenty-one pediatric patients with BVCI underwent EALA. Eleven out of 21 patients had tracheostomy at the time of surgery. Pre and postoperative functional assessments included endoscopic evaluation, maximum phonation time, pediatric Voice Handicap Index (pVHI), GIRBAS Scale criteria, and Montreal Children's Hospital Feeding scale (MCH-Feeding scale). peak tidal inspiratory flow or peak inspiratory flow (PIF) and number of desaturations/hour (ODI/h) were evaluated in patients without tracheostomy. RESULTS: Postoperative endoscopy showed glottic airway improvement in all patients. Average time for decannulation was 4.6 weeks. One patient has not yet been decannulated. No major complications occurred. In patients without tracheostomy, we observed a significant improvement of ODI/h and PIF after surgery (p < 0.05) as expected. PVHI, MCH-Feeding scale, and GIRBAS score significantly worsened 1 month after surgical intervention (p < 0.05). One year after surgery, however, all values, except for B and A parameters of the GIRBAS score, returned to levels comparable to those preoperative. CONCLUSIONS: EALA represents a simple, safe and effective solution in pediatric patients with BVCI, avoiding tracheostomy, allowing early decannulation, preserving swallowing function, and maintaining good quality voice. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 133:2325-2332, 2023.

Variations in the application of equine prosthetic laryngoplasty: A survey of 128 equine surgeons.

OBJECTIVE: To document variations in the application of equine prosthetic laryngoplasty among equine surgeons. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. SAMPLE POPULATION: Six hundred and seventy-eight equine surgeons performing prosthetic laryngoplasty. METHODS: An online questionnaire was sent to equine surgeons, including diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons and European College of Veterinary Surgeons. Questions focused on participant profile, surgical technique, antimicrobial therapy, and concurrent procedures. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed on the survey output. RESULTS: Complete responses were received from 128/678 individuals, mostly from experienced surgeons. Most participants used 2 prostheses (106/128, 82.8%) and a single loop was the most common method used to anchor the prosthesis in the cricoid (95/128, 74.2%) and arytenoid (125/128, 97.7%) cartilages. Use of general anesthesia was common, although 46/128 (35.9%) participants now performed most laryngoplasty surgery with standing sedation. The material used as a prosthesis varied among surgeons, although participants typically aimed to achieve grade 2 intraoperative arytenoid abduction. Participants most commonly administered perioperative systemic antimicrobial therapy for 1-3 days (57/128, 44.5%) and 48/128 (37.5%) used local antimicrobial therapy. CONCLUSION: Most surgeons performed laryngoplasty with 2 prostheses, a single loop construct at the muscular process of the arytenoid cartilage and systemic antimicrobial therapy. There was variation in the preferred method of surgical restraint, prosthesis material selection, and use of local antimicrobial therapy. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Long-established techniques remain popular in clinical practice despite evidence that variations offer advantages, particularly in relation to biomechanics. Other factors are also likely to influence technique selection in a clinical context.

A lateral surgical approach to the larynx may impair cervical esophageal function in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether muscle-sparing laryngoplasty results in fewer changes in swallowing function compared to standard surgical treatment for laryngeal paralysis. ANIMALS: 12 clinically normal sexually intact male Beagles. PROCEDURES: Group A dogs (n = 4) had a standard approach to the larynx, with left arytenoid cartilage lateralization. Group B dogs (n = 4) had a muscle-sparing laryngoplasty performed with the thyropharyngeus muscle fibers bluntly separated, and the cricoarytenoideus dorsalis muscle spared. Pre- and 24-hour postoperative fluoroscopic swallowing studies were performed and graded. Larynges were harvested after humane euthanasia, and glottic area was measured. Group C dogs (n = 4) acted as controls, with surgical dissection ending lateral to the thyropharyngeus muscle, arytenoid lateralization not performed, and the dogs not euthanized. The study was performed between October 15, 2011 and May 15, 2021. RESULTS: Changes in pharyngeal and upper esophageal sphincter function were not detected in any group. There was no difference in glottic area between treatment groups. Aspiration of liquid was not a consistent finding. Two dogs in each treatment group developed moderate to severe cervical esophageal paresis. This did not occur in control dogs. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: We found no evidence to support our hypothesis that muscle-sparing laryngoplasty results in less severe changes in swallowing function compared to a standard technique. The cervical esophageal paresis identified in both treatment groups could increase the risk of postoperative aspiration pneumonia in dogs treated for laryngeal paralysis via a lateral approach to the larynx. Further study to determine the frequency, cause, and duration of esophageal dysfunction is warranted.

The effect of repeated freezing and thawing on the suture pull-out strength in equine arytenoid and cricoid cartilages.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of repeated freezing and thawing on the suture pull-out strength in arytenoid and cricoid cartilages subjected to the laryngoplasty (LP) procedure. STUDY DESIGN: Ex vivo experimental study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Ten grossly normal equine cadaveric larynges. METHODS: Bilateral LP constructs were created using a standard LP technique. One hemilarynx was randomly allocated to the single freeze and thaw group and the other allocated to the repeated freeze and thaw (3 complete cycles) group. The suture ends of each LP construct were attached to a load frame and subjected to monotonic loading until construct failure. Mean load (N) and displacement (mm) at LP construct failure were compared between groups. RESULTS: All LP constructs failed by suture pull through the arytenoid cartilage. The mean load at failure was similar between groups (118.9 ± 25.5 N in the single freeze and thaw group and 113.4 ± 20.5 N in the repeated freeze and thaw group, P = .62). The mean displacement at failure was similar between groups (54.4 ± 15.1 mm in the single freeze and thaw group and 54.4 ± 15.4 mm in the repeated freeze and thaw group, P = .99). CONCLUSION: Repeated freezing and thawing did not affect the suture pullout strength of the arytenoid and cricoid cartilages. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Laryngeal specimens that have been subjected to repeated freezing and thawing can be utilized in the experimental evaluation of LP procedures because there is no alteration of the suture pull-out strength of the relevant cartilages.

Description and evaluation of a novel transoral endoscopic arytenopexy in canine cadavers.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the transoral endoscopic arytenopexy (TEA) and evaluate its effects on the rima glottis area (RGA) and laryngeal epiglottic-glottic seal (LEGS). We hypothesize the TEA will be a feasible surgical technique and the TEA will provide a significant increase in RGA with minimal change to the LEGS. STUDY DESIGN: Canine cadaveric model. ANIMALS: Fifteen medium- to large-breed canine cadavers. METHODS: Endoscopic photos of the larynx were taken with the epiglottis open for baseline RGA measurement and closed for baseline measurement of exposed RGA and LEGS. A custom endoscopic gag port (EGP) facilitated the TEA, performed by suturing the lateral aspect of the left arytenoid soft tissues to adjacent pharyngeal wall across the piriform recess. Endoscopic photos were repeated to measure changes in RGA and LEGS. A computerized planimetric analysis program was used to calculate baseline RGA and LEGS. The RGA was reported in % change from baseline. The LEGS was reported as intact or altered. A nonparametric Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare baseline to post-TEA RGA. RESULTS: The mean baseline RGA was 0.52 ± 0.28 cm3 and mean post-TEA RGA was 0.78 ± 0.37 cm3 (p-value < .0001). The LEGS remained intact post-TEA in all cadavers. CONCLUSIONS: The TEA was technically feasible and resulted in an increase in RGA while maintaining the LEGS. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The TEA may provide a minimally invasive addition to the established techniques for reducing airway resistance while minimizing the impact on the LEGS.