Magnetic Laryngeal Reanimation as a Novel Treatment of Vocal Fold Immobility

SUMMARY Objective Vocal cord paralysis may result from surgical complications, trauma, tumor, or unknown causes. When both cords are affected, paramedian fixation can lead to life-threatening obstruction. Current treatments, including tracheostomy, cordotomy, and arytenoidectomy, compromise speech and swallow function to maintain a safe airway. To preserve all three critical laryngeal functions, Otolaryngologists need a solution for bilateral vocal cord paralysis that restores motion. This study uses implantable electromagnet technology to create dynamic vocal cord movement in a proof-of-concept, preliminary model. Methods A prototype was constructed from a neodymium disk magnet and cylindrical solenoid electromagnet coupled to a battery and 3-way switch. The disk magnet was implanted in an ex vivo porcine larynx model lateral to the arytenoid, affixed with suture. The electromagnet was seated in a window cut in the thyroid cartilage. Results By driving current in two directions through the electromagnet, the vocal cord was successfully moved towards and away from the electromagnet. The neutral vocal fold opening was 5.8 mm, and the maximal opening was 7.7 mm, representing a 31.4% increase in the cross-sectional area of the glottis. Conclusion This model demonstrated proof of concept of a magnetic laryngeal reanimation device. The full device will include a respiratory effort sensor and implantable processor to time the action of the magnets with respirations. There is currently no effective treatment to re-establish vocal cord motion in patients with vocal cord paralysis. This system has the potential to give patients with bilateral vocal cord paralysis a surgical option to restore vocal cord motion.