Experimental setup of hemilarynx model for microlaryngeal surgery applications

Abstract

Mechanical models of the human larynx have been used to validate mathematical vocal cord models, but most lack the applicability for ex-vivo surgical experiments. To our best knowledge, no technical evaluation has been reported using mechanical models to study vocal cord wound closure techniques. We design and develop a customizable and versatile mechanical hemilarynx with direct simulation of vocal cord vibration and airflow that can facilitate ex-vivo surgical experiments on the vocal cord. This setup enables experimental validation on the mechanical stability of novel devices, which are currently developed for epithelial wound closure in microlaryngeal surgery.