Crumley's Classification of Laryngeal Synkinesis: A Comparison of Laryngoscopy and Electromyography.

Objectives/hypothesis: Applying the principles of misdirected nerve regeneration to the larynx, Roger Crumley in 1989 coined the term laryngeal synkinesis (LS) which he later (2000) classified into 4 types (type I - good voice, type II - involuntary twitches and poor voice, type III - adduction during inspiration, type IV - abduction during phonation). Neurophysiological data were not available for all LS patients at that time. The current study was undertaken to utilize and test the Crumley classification for a clinical interrater comparison and, secondly, compare predicted with actual laryngeal electromyography (LEMG) results.

Population-based assessment of currently proposed ideals of nasal tip projection and rotation in young women.

Importance: There is no universally accepted quantitative metric that defines the ideal nasal tip rotation and projection.

Objective: To identify the ideal nasal tip projection (NTP) and rotation by using 3 classic NTP methods (Crumley 1, Crumley 2, and Goode).

Design, Setting, And Participants: Lateral facial portraits of normal-appearing white women aged 18 to 25 years were selected from a previously validated and attractiveness-scored database of images.

The academic impact of the Triological Society theses--Mosher and Fowler awards: citations, impact factor, and h-index.

Objectives/hypothesis: The Triological Society requires thesis submission for full membership. Accepted theses (AT) may be recognized with designations of: Mosher Awards (MA), Fowler Awards (FA), Honorable Mention for Basic Science (HMBS), and Honorable Mention for Clinical Science (HMCS). We sought to determine and compare the scholarly impact of Triological Society theses, their authors, and whether differences exist between AT and those that receive special recognition.

Optical coherence tomography of the larynx using the Niris system.

Objectives: To present our experience using the first commercially available optical coherence tomography (OCT) device for use in the head, neck, and upper aerodigestive tract and to determine the feasibility and efficacy of this system in comparison with our previous experience using other research OCT systems.

Methods: Using the Niris OCT imaging system (Imalux, Cleveland, OH), we obtained OCT images of benign and premalignant laryngeal disease in 33 patients undergoing surgical head and neck endoscopy. This imaging system has a spatial depth resolution of 10 to 20 mum and a depth scanning range of 2.

Recommendations of the Neurolaryngology Study Group on laryngeal electromyography.

The Neurolaryngology Study Group convened a multidisciplinary panel of experts in neuromuscular physiology, electromyography, physical medicine and rehabilitation, neurology, and laryngology to meet with interested members from the American Academy of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, the Neurolaryngology Subcommittee and the Neurolaryngology Study Group to address the use of laryngeal electromyography (LEMG) for electrodiagnosis of laryngeal disorders. The panel addressed the use of LEMG for: 1) diagnosis of vocal fold paresis, 2) best practice application of equipment and techniques for LEMG, 3) estimation of time of injury and prediction of recovery of neural injuries, 4) diagnosis of neuromuscular diseases of the laryngeal muscles, and, 5) differentiation between central nervous system and behaviorally based laryngeal disorders. The panel also addressed establishing standardized techniques and methods for future assessment of LEMG sensitivity, specificity and reliability for identification, assessment and prognosis of neurolaryngeal disorders.

Long-term botulinum toxin dose consistency for treatment of adductor spasmodic dysphonia.

Objectives: Botulinum toxin (BTX) injection is currently the primary and most common treatment for adductor spasmodic dysphonia (ADSD). A variety of injection strategies and dosage regimens have been described. This study reports on our experience with the dosage schedule and dosing consistency of BTX for the treatment of ADSD.

Novel use of a delayed chondrofascial flap in microtia reconstruction.

Objective: To describe the novel use of a delayed chondrofascial flap to increase auricular projection in microtia reconstruction.

Methods: Retrospective survey analysis. Ten consecutive children with unilateral microtia without other craniofacial abnormalities were followed up for a period ranging from 6 months to 5 years after microtia reconstruction was performed with the newly described delayed flap.

In vivo optical coherence tomography of the human oral cavity and oropharynx.

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an evolving imaging modality that combines interferometry with low-coherence light to produce high-resolution tissue imaging. Cross-sectional in vivo images were obtained using an OCT device consisting of a Michelson interferometer, 1.3-microm broadband light source, and a handheld fiberoptic imaging probe.

Optical coherence tomography of laryngeal cancer.

Objectives: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a high-resolution optical imaging technique that produces cross-sectional images of living tissues using light in a manner similar to ultrasound. This prospective study evaluated the ability of OCT to identify the characteristics of laryngeal cancer and measure changes in the basement membrane, tissue microstructure, and the transition zone at the edge of tumors.

Materials And Methods: One hundred thirty-three patients underwent OCT examination during surgical endoscopy of the head and neck.

In vivo optical coherence tomography of the human larynx: normative and benign pathology in 82 patients.

Objectives: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an emerging imaging modality that combines low-coherence light with interferometry to produce cross-sectional images of tissue with resolution about 10 mum. Patients undergoing surgical head and neck endoscopy were examined using a fiberoptic OCT imaging probe to study and characterize microstructural anatomy and features of the larynx and benign laryngeal pathology in vivo.

Study Design: Prospective clinical trial.

Bipolar radiofrequency plasma-mediated ablation of porcine nasal septal cartilage: a pilot investigation.

Background: The objectives of this pilot study were to (1) determine whether bipolar radiofrequency plasma-mediated ablation (PMA) can efficiently remove nasal septal cartilage and (2) calculate the ablation rate as a function of device power, probe force, and translation velocity using ex vivo porcine tissue.

Methods: Specimens were secured to a linear translation stage and were subjected to varying translation velocities (4, 7, and 12 cm/s), probe forces (140, 200, and 225 g), and bipolar radiofrequency generator (Coblator ENTec power settings, 38-58, 77-115, and 129-193 Watts root mean squared. Specimen mass loss and depth of ablation were measured using an analytic balance and dissection microscope, respectively.

A novel laryngoscope instrument stabilizer for operative microlaryngoscopy.

Objective: To evaluate and optimize the design of a removable and inexpensive internal stabilization device to reduce the effect of intention tremor during laryngeal microsurgery.

Study Design And Setting: In this laboratory investigation, stabilizers were designed and constructed to allow a nonobstructing view of the surgical field, permit simple insertion and removal, and accommodate microsurgical instruments. Prototype stabilizers were tested by using a Dedo laryngoscope, a measurement grid, and video recording equipment, which recorded instrument tremor within the magnified operative field for later analysis.

Lasers in pediatric airway surgery: current and future clinical applications.

Background And Objectives: The smaller anatomy and limited access to instrumentation pose a challenge to the pediatric airway surgeon. The enhanced precision and ability to photocoagulate tissue while operating with the laser enhances the surgeon's ability to successfully treat unique pediatric conditions.

Study Design/materials And Methods: A comprehensive literature review was performed using the Medline (1995-2004) database.

Granulomatous inflammation and nerve necrosis in a case of apparent idiopathic vocal fold paralysis: report of a case.

Objectives: We will present clinical and pathologic findings of the recurrent laryngeal nerve of a 54-year-old man with apparent idiopathic vocal fold paralysis and discuss clinical and scientific implications of these findings.

Study Design: Our design is in the format of a case report with emphasis on the clinical, intraoperative, histologic, and neuropathologic findings, followed by a discussion of contemporary theories of idiopathic unilateral vocal fold immobility and the implications of our findings.

Methods: A 54-year-old man presented with a 2-year history of unilateral vocal fold motion impairment (VFMI) after an upper respiratory infection.

Radiofrequency cartilage reshaping: efficacy, biophysical measurements, and tissue viability.

Objectives: To assess the feasibility of reshaping cartilage using radiofrequency (RF) heating, and to examine the effects of this process on tissue biophysical properties (optical and thermal) and cellular viability.

Methods: Mechanically deformed porcine septal cartilage was reshaped using 2 RF-generating devices. We performed dynamic measurements of tissue thermal and optical properties while heating cartilage with one of these devices.

A cost-benefit analysis and method of creating high-quality posters for a low cost.

Objective: To introduce the results of a cost-benefit analysis comparing an office-based low-cost technique for producing research posters versus conventional methods.

Study Design: Cost-benefit analysis.

Methods: The average cost for manufacturing a 4' x 6' poster using university-based and commercial reprographic centers (from 10 different institutions and cities) was determined through a phone survey.