Affiliation:
1. Department of Head and Neck Surgery David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles Los Angeles California U.S.A.
2. Department of Surgery Greater Los Angeles Veterans Affairs Healthcare System Los Angeles California U.S.A.
Abstract
ObjectiveNumerous pharmacological and cell‐based treatments have shown promise in preventing vocal fold (VF) scarring when applied at the time of injury. A common clinical scenario, however, is the finding of mature scar impeding voicing. Many treatments are less effective in remodeling existing scar tissue. This objective of this study is to determine if a cell‐based outer vocal fold replacement (COVR) effectively restores VF function when applied to existing scar.MethodsEighteen rabbits were allocated to three groups: unilateral COVR implant at the time of cordectomy (acute COVR); unilateral cordectomy followed by COVR implant 2 months later (chronic COVR); and unilateral cordectomy followed by sham implant surgery 2 months later (chronic scar). Larynges were harvested 2 months after implant or sham surgery.ResultsAll larynges in the COVR groups demonstrated human leukocyte antigen labeling on immunohistochemistry (IHC). COVR groups had increased hyaluronic acid content compared with normal. VF stiffness as measured by elastic moduli in acute COVR and chronic COVR were similar to their contralateral unoperated VF.ConclusionCOVR implantation in both acutely injured and chronically scarred VF demonstrate persistence of implanted cells, restored tissue biomechanics, and increased hyaluronic acid content.Level of EvidenceNA Laryngoscope, 134:764–772, 2024
Funder
Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center
National Institutes of Health