Optimal tension, position, and number of prostheses required for maximum rima glottidis area after laryngoplasty.

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.