Intracordal injections with allogenic cartilage in a canine paralyzed vocal fold model: long-term results.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether detergent treated allogenic cartilage can be used as a substitute for autologous cartilage in a canine paralyzed vocal fold model.


METHODS
Twelve canines underwent a right recurrent laryngeal nerve resection with injections of allogenic auricular cartilage (harvested 7 days prior, treated with detergent, and minced), with a hyaluronic acid hydrogel (0.2 mL) into the right thyroarytenoid muscle, and with a pressure syringe under direct laryngoscopy. Two animals were sacrificed and larynges removed at each time point: 1-, 3-, 6-, 12-, 18-, and 24-months post injection. Hematoxylin-eosin and immunohistochemistry for expression of major histocompatibility complex-II (MHC-II) antigen was measured to assess histomorphology and gross volume and loss of antigenicity of the injected allogenic cartilage.


RESULTS
Injected allogenic cartilage maintained its position and volume in the vocalis muscle throughout 24 months. Cartilage was characterized with empty lacunae indicating possible loss of viability. Fibrotic changes were noted in the surrounding cartilage. MCH-II antigen was not identified in the perichondrium and/or cartilage. Inflammatory reaction, granuloma, or foreign body reaction was not observed at any time point.


CONCLUSIONS
These preliminary results suggest that allogenic auricular cartilage grafts treated with detergent are well tolerated and may be an effective material for volumetric augmentation in the paralyzed vocal fold.
Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, Republic of Korea.
Jin-Choon
JC
Lee
Byung-Joo
BJ
Lee
Soo-Geun
SG
Wang
Chang-Hun
CH
Lee
Dong-Hoon
DH
Shin
D000818:Animals; D002356:Cartilage / Q000473:pathology / Q000637:transplantation*; D003902:Detergents; D004285:Dogs; D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II / Q000378:metabolism; D007267:Injections; D008297:Male; D014184:Transplantation, Homologous; D014826:Vocal Cord Paralysis / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D014827:Vocal Cords / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology
D003902:Detergents; D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II