Objective To modify the excised larynx bench apparatus to accommodate experiments with rabbit larynges. Study design Methodological study using ex vivo rabbit larynges Methods Rabbit larynges (n=5) were dissected and mounted on a custom-made phonatory apparatus. The arytenoids were adducted by rods and humidified air was passed through the larynx to elicit vocal fold vibration. Acoustic, aerodynamic, electroglottographic, and videokymographic data were collected for each larynx. The same data were collected for 5 canine larynges for the purpose of comparison, and coefficients of variation were calculated for each parameter in both models. Results Reliable phonation was achieved in each larynx. Acoustic fundamental frequency, % jitter, % shimmer, signal-to-noise ratio, pressure and flow at phonation onset and offset, and fundamental frequency, closed quotient, speed quotient, jitter, shimmer, and contact quotient, as recorded by electroglottography, and mucosal wave amplitude and phase difference are reported for rabbit larynges. Coefficients of variation for each parameter are similar in magnitude between the two models. Conclusion We developed a method for recording reliable acoustic, aerodynamic, videokymographic, and electroglottographic data from rabbit larynges. When data obtained from leporine larynges were compared with data from canine larynges, the intra-larynx variability of rabbit larynges was found to be similar to that of canine larynges.

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Purpose of review This article will define the major advances in laryngeal aerodynamics research from recent evidence-based literature. Recent findings Recently published research focuses on new applications of aerodynamic parameters to improve patient diagnosis and outcomes, as well as further elucidating the mechanisms of phonation using computational modeling and excised larynges. Summary Although there is an extensive amount of research on improving the diagnosis and treatment of voice disorders using aerodynamics, the majority of recent literature lacks any conclusive evidence on new methods for use in the clinic; further research in these is needed. The best practices for resonance tube phonation in water and semi-occluded voice therapy are being investigated, as is the exact mechanism by which glottal airflow interacts with vocal folds to produce phonation. It is recommended that clinicians evaluate patients with Parkinson’s disease on the basis of airflow declination and lung volume expended per syllable to avoid dependence on an acoustic signal. In addition, advances in modeling laryngeal disorders and structures will contribute to future research into treatments and diagnosis. Now that the groundwork has been laid, it is crucial to begin evaluating such techniques in patient populations.

Composite thyroid ala perichondrium flap restored glottic closure and vibratory periodicity following vocal fold scarring. Additional investigation on biologic response is warranted. Composite thyroid ala perichondrium flap offers an autologous, vascularized implant that can improve both vocal fold structure and function.