Implants to resolve vocal cord problems caused, for example, by surgery in the chest or neck have been around for some time. UZ Leuven is successfully testing an innovative model designed to eliminate the need for additional surgery in the future.
The vocal cords are two folds in the larynx that enable us to produce sounds, and thus speak, by alternately opening and closing. If the vocal cord nerve is damaged during surgery in the neck or chest area, one of the folds may weaken or even become paralysed. This prevents them from closing properly, potentially leading to hoarseness, swallowing difficulties, or breathing problems. Traditionally, a good solution has been the placement of a silicone implant with a fixed size and shape. However, with age, the vocal cord muscle tends to weaken further and become thinner, meaning a larger implant is needed and a new operation.
Now a new procedure is available, in which a small opening can be drilled into the larynx through which an implant is inserted that realigns the vocal cords precisely. A small balloon filled with fluid is attached to the innovative block. If the muscle continues to thin and the patient’s voice quality declines, the volume can be adjusted in real time with an injection, allowing the patient to once again speak with an almost normal voice. The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia.
Hopeful prospects, then, for those struggling with vocal cord problems.
