Development and Clinical Application of Real-Time Light-Guided Vocal Fold Injection

Abstract

Vocal fold injection (VFI) is widely accepted as a first line treatment in treating unilateral vocal fold paralysis and other vocal fold diseases. Although VFI is advantageous for its minimal invasiveness and efficiency, the invisibility of the needle tip remains an essential handicap in precise localization. Real-time light-guided vocal fold injection (RL-VFI) is a novel technique that was developed under the concept of performing simultaneous injection with precise placement of the needle tip under light guidance. RL-VFI has confirmed its possibility of technical implementation and the feasibility in injecting the needle from various directions through ex vivo animal studies. Further in vivo animal study has approved the safety and feasibility of the procedure when various transcutaneous approaches were applied. Currently, RL-VFI device is authorized for clinical use by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety in South Korea and is clinically applied to patients with safe and favorable outcome. Several clinical studies are currently under process to approve the safety and the efficiency of RL-VFI. RL-VFI is expected to improve the complication rate and the functional outcome of voice. Furthermore, it will support laryngologists in overcoming the steep learning curve by its intuitive guidance.