Three-dimensional laryngeal model for planning of laryngeal framework surgery.
CONCLUSIONS
The three-dimensional prototype model was useful for planning of laryngeal framework surgery.


OBJECTIVE
To discuss the usefulness of a three-dimensional laryngeal model for laryngeal framework surgery.


METHODS
A three-dimensional laryngeal model was created based on the postoperative helical computed tomography (CT) data of the larynx (case 1) which underwent lateral cricoarytenoid muscle (LCA) pull surgery. LCA pull surgery is a kind of arytenoid adduction for unilateral vocal cord paralysis. A three-dimensional model of case 1 larynx was prototyped using a selective laser sintering method. In case 1, the patient's voice did not improve after LCA pull surgery. The three-dimensional model revealed that the original surgical procedure was not appropriate to obtain optimal arytenoid adduction. According to the analysis of this three-dimensional model, we changed the surgical approach and performed this new refined LCA pull surgery on another patient with unilateral vocal cord paralysis (case 2).


RESULTS
We were able to pull LCA precisely in case 2. Three-dimensional CT of case 2 after refined LCA pull surgery allowed the correct pulling of LCA and complete adduction of arytenoid. The postoperative voice improved remarkably.
Hiramatsu
Hiroyuki
H
Department of Otolaryngology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan. hiro441741@aa.cyberhome.ne.jp
Tokashiki
Ryoji
R
Yamaguchi
Hiroya
H
Suzuki
Mamoru
M
Ono
Hidenori
H
D000368:Aged; D017076:Computer-Aided Design; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D007821:Laryngeal Muscles / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery*; D007830:Larynx / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008297:Male; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D025321:Surgery, Computer-Assisted; D036542:Tomography, Spiral Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014826:Vocal Cord Paralysis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery*