Ex vivoovine model for suspension microlaryngoscopy training

Abstract

AbstractObjective:To develop an ovine model for teaching suspension laryngoscopy and phonosurgery.Methods:The head and neck from 10 pre-pubescent sheep were harvested following humane euthanasia at the end of anin vivoprotocol. No live animals were used in this study. The tissues were saline-perfused and refrigerated for 1–5 days. Suspension laryngoscopy was performed using adolescent Parsons and adult Kantor-Berci laryngoscopes suspended with a Benjamin-Parsons laryngoscope holder. Visualisation was achieved with 0° and 30° telescopes, and a three-chip camera and video system. Shapshay-Ossoff microlaryngeal instruments were used for endolaryngeal dissection.Results:Experienced laryngologists led a second year medical student through several procedures including injection laryngoplasty, hydrodissection and incision, endolaryngeal suturing, and partial cordectomy. Despite expected anatomical differences, the model proved highly realistic for suspension microlaryngoscopy.Conclusion:The sheep head and neck model provides an inexpensive, safe model for developing skills in suspension laryngoscopy and basic phonosurgery.