Principal Investigator: Normand Ducharme

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): 

We propose to adapt an injection bulking approach that would “support” the abduction of the arytenoid cartilage. This bone cement injection technique was developed for treatment of horses with dysphagia after laryngoplasty. This idea was generated because we have developed this injection technique in approximately 30 horses in the last few years to minimize tracheal aspiration in horses with dysphagia. We noted that this is easy to perform and well tolerated in horses. Our hypothesis is that supporting the arytenoid would mechanically be a superior method to maintain abduction against the swallowing medializing forces applied to the arytenoid cartilage and require no post-operative healing so horses could return to work in 2 days. The study would be developed in 3 phases. Our first objective is to find the best place to support the arytenoid cartilage in cadaver studies (Phase 1), optimize the injection technique itself (Phase 2 also in cadavers), and test the stability and morbidity of the technique in experimentally created laryngeal hemiplegia in horses exercising on a treadmill (Phase 3).