title: Transcutaneous Teflon injection for paralytic dysphonia.
abstract: Transcutaneous Teflon augmentation of the vocal cord was performed 21 times in 19 patients with unilateral vocal cord paralysis. The larynx was visualized using flexible fiberoptic video-endoscopy and, after local anesthesia to the skin over the cricothyroid membrane, an 18-gauge 2-inch needle was introduced through the cricothyroid membrane. Under fiberoptic visualization, the needle was inserted into the paralyzed vocal cord through its undersurface. Teflon was injected with a syringe to produce medialization of the vocal cord. The position of the vocal cord and voice quality were monitored throughout the procedure. No complications were encountered. All patients experienced a reduction in breathiness of voice that was rated as a significant improvement by the patient and surgeon. Two patients required reinjection of Teflon for optimal improvement.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. 55905.
authors.forename: T B
authors.initials: TB
authors.lastname: McCaffrey
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Lipton
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009339:Needles; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D013594:Syringes; D014826:Vocal Cord Paralysis / Q000628:therapy*; D014833:Voice Quality
chemical_list: D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene