In the study, patients will receive injections of CaHA, an FDA-approved implant composed of calcium phosphate, into the injured vocal cord. At follow-up visits at one, three, six and 12 months, researchers will measure the effectiveness of the injections.
"In this study, we are trying to determine the long-term efficacy and utility of CaHA as an injection material to treat vocal fold disorders," said Clark Rosen, M.D., associate professor of otolaryngology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and director of the University of Pittsburgh Voice Center. "Current injection materials have limitations in terms of their effectiveness and longevity; there are concerns with some of the substances being reabsorbed and other materials triggering a rejection response to the material. It is hoped that the CaHA injection material will be an improvement over presently available substances."
In vocal cord disorders such as paralysis, atrophy and paresis, one or both vocal cords are weakened and lack the ability to close and thus vibrate properly, resulting in a soft, breathy or weak voice. The affected (injured) cord may also allow food and liquids into the trachea or lungs causing difficulty with swallowing and coughing.
Often vocal cord disorders may not heal without treatment. Standard treatments include voice therapy and surgery. In surgery, doctors attempt to add bulk to the injured vocal cord by injecting a substance, most commonly Teflon, fat or collagen into the cord. This moves the injured cord closer to the non-injured cord,
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22-Mar-2004