Long‐term model of induced canine phonation

Abstract

Experimental induced phonation in the dog has been used in short-term studies by several investigators and has proved quite useful in laryngeal research. In this study a long-term canine phonation model is described that uses permanently implanted electrodes on the superior and recurrent laryngeal nerves. A serial induced phonation model has not been previously reported and is needed for laryngeal research in which voice results are a primary end point. Inexpensive, reliable, nontoxic electrodes were designed and fabricated. The laryngeal nerves were found to be quite susceptible to injury, necessitating a series of changes in electrode design. Electrode durability and laryngeal nerve viability improved with each design modification; the final design gave a recurrent laryngeal nerve viability rate of 100% at 6 weeks, 83% at 9 weeks, and 73% at 12 weeks. Induced phonation was successfully produced on a repeated basis by stimulating the recurrent laryngeal nerves while passing air through the larynx, in 22 (95.6%) of 23 animals. Stimulation of the superior laryngeal nerves increased vocal fold length and tension but was not required for phonation. Technical aspects of chronic implantation and stimulation of the laryngeal nerves are discussed. The development and successful long-term implantation of electrodes on the laryngeal nerves and their use in repeated induced phonation have not been reported previously.

Characterization of Vocal Fold Scarring in a Canine Model

“…One of the most frequently used animal models in laryngeal research is the canine. 2 Although it is not a perfect animal model for all voice research because of the difference in differentiation of layers between canine and human, 3 the length and thickness of the lamina propria in the canine make it an ideal model for the investigation of surgical management approaches for the scarred vocal fold. In addition, the canine larynx can be easily phonated on the excised bench, the lamina propria provides enough tissue to carry out both histological and rheological experiments using the same vocal fold, extracellular matrix components are similar to human components, and it is an economical species to maintain for long‐term studies of scarring.…”

Tubeless tracheotomy for survival airway surgery in the leporine model

“…This study demonstrated the feasibility of airway management in the rabbit model using a using a maturing suture tracheostomy technique to create a permanent and sustainable tubeless stoma for the study of laryngotracheal pathology in the setting of survival surgery. This method meets the previously defined criteria for the ideal experimental tracheostomy and also demonstrates potential for a laryngotracheal stenosis model and an induced leporine phonation model . Furthermore, the model's ease of use and substantial cost savings in comparison to the prevalent canine model should make study of laryngotracheal pathology more accessible to a larger number of research institutions.…”

“…The tubeless canine tracheostomy was introduced in 1963 by Thilenius and Vial and further improved by Miles in 1970. 5 More recently, in 1998 this technique was modified by Dahm and Paniello to create a canine induced phonation model . However, to our knowledge, no study has described a technique to create a sustainable tubeless tracheostomy in the leporine model.…”

“…Moreover, with a patent bare stoma, obstructive postsurgical complications are reduced and minimal postoperative care is required. This method meets the previously defined criteria for the ideal experimental tracheostomy and also demonstrates potential for laryngotracheal stenosis model as well as an induced phonation model …”

Reversibility of Medialization Laryngoplasty an Experimental Study

“…18 An additional 2 weeks was allowed for healing and résorption of fluid around the implanted electrodes.…”