title: In vivo vocal fold cover layer replacement.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  An animal vocal fold replacement model is needed to investigate treatments for vocal fold scarring. We developed a rabbit surgical model, hypothesizing that orthotopic vocal fold cover implants would attach and survive. We further hypothesized that superficial scarring would be limited, allowing unimpeded vibration.
  
  
  METHODS
  Translational research: animal surgical study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Rabbit vocal fold covers were excised and immediately reimplanted. After 4 weeks, rabbits were phonated and vibration was recorded with high-speed videography. Larynges were then excised, elastic moduli measured by indentation, and covers sectioned for histology.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Five of six rabbits survived. Phonation was achieved in all, with mucosal waves evident. Elastic modulus did not differ significantly from contralateral uninjured control vocal folds. Histology demonstrated epithelial integrity, partial preservation of elastic fibers, and variable degrees of collagen deposition.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Vocal fold cover implantation in rabbits is feasible, and grafts survived. Attachment onto the thyroarytenoid muscle prevented excessive scarring, maintained tissue mechanics, and preserved mucosal vibration.
  
  
  METHODS
  NA.
authors.affiliation: Research Service, Department of Veteran's Affairs Medical Center, Los Angeles, California; Department of Head and Neck Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, California.
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Long
authors.forename: Jonathan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Salinas
authors.forename: Sassan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Rafizadeh
authors.forename: Georg
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Luegmair
authors.forename: Zhaoyan
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: Dinesh
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Chhetri
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D055119:Elastic Modulus; D023421:Models, Animal; D010699:Phonation; D011817:Rabbits; D012092:Replantation; D014741:Video Recording; D014827:Vocal Cords / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery*
keywords: Phonation; elastic modulus; indentation; rabbit; vocal fold wound healing