Respiratory rhythmically regulated electrical stimulation of paralyzed laryngeal muscles

Abstract

Electrical stimulation of the posterior cricoarytenoid muscle, synchronized with inspiration, was achieved in dogs, utilizing a radio frequency stimulus triggered by a chest wall expansion transducer. This system brings about the abduction of the paralyzed vocal cord for the entire duration of inspiration, which allows a normal flow of air through the larynx. The stimulation system could be tested successfully in actual experiments in dogs with artificial paralysis of the recurrent laryngeal nerve. Its effectiveness could be proved through observation of the vocal cord movements (photographic documentation) and recording subglottic pressure variations. Transmission of stimulation energy is effected by electrical induction.