Optimal Tension, Position, and Number of Prostheses Required for Maximum Rima Glottidis Area After Laryngoplasty

• Published in: Veterinary surgery 2013-04, Vol.42 (3), p.280-285
• Main Authors: Bischofberger, Andrea S., Wereszka, Marta M., Hadidane, Ines, Perkins, Nigel R., Jeffcott, Leo B., Dart, Andrew J.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Glottis - anatomy & histology; Glottis - surgery; Horses - surgery; Laryngoplasty - methods; Laryngoplasty - veterinary; Larynx - anatomy & histology; Larynx - surgery; Prostheses; Prostheses and Implants - veterinary; Suture Techniques - veterinary
• ISSN: 0161-3499; 1532-950X
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1532-950X.2013.01103.x

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of 3 laryngeal prostheses alone or in combination on rima glottidis area in horses. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental randomized design. SAMPLE POPULATION: Cadaveric equine larynges (n = 22). METHODS: Three prostheses were preplaced in each of 14 larynges. Rima glottidis area was measured after loading each suture in 5 Newton (N) increments from 0 N to 35 N. In 8 larynges, the 3 prostheses were tied alone or in combination at a fixed load of 15 N and rima glottidis area measured. RESULTS: Rima glottidis cross‐sectional area increased as the load on each prosthesis increased with maximum area reached at 20 N for each prosthesis. At a fixed load of 15 N, tying 2 and 3 prostheses in combination resulted in a larger rima glottidis cross‐sectional area than achieved with each prosthesis alone. CONCLUSIONS: A combination of 2 or 3 prostheses tied at a fixed load of 15 N optimized rima glottidis cross‐sectional area irrespective of the anatomic location of the prosthesis.