title: Minifenestration type I thyroplasty using an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene implant.
abstract: Several methods have been used to treat laryngeal incompetence, but no ideal technique has been identified. This paper describes a clinical experience with minifenestration type I thyroplasty using a new device made of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE). The device, a thin ribbon of ePTFE, is inserted through a 4-mm fenestration to produce vocal fold medialization. At our center, 26 of these devices have been implanted in the past 3 years. Good or satisfactory results were achieved in 96% of cases. Advantages of this technique include easy insertion of the implant, nominal cost and biocompatibility of the ePTFE device, ready availability of all instruments required for the procedure, and elimination of the need to perform arytenoid adduction.
authors.affiliation: Texas Voice Center, Houston, USA.
authors.forename: C R
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Stasney
authors.forename: M E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Beaver
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rodriguez
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013517:Otorhinolaryngologic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011300:Preoperative Care; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D013957:Thyroid Cartilage / Q000601:surgery*; D014826:Vocal Cord Paralysis / Q000601:surgery*
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene