3 Different Methods of Vocal Cord Paralysis Treatment via Needle Injection

Demonstrated here are 3 different ways a paralyzed vocal cord is treated via needle injection. Known as injection medialization laryngoplasty, the 3 treatment methods all basically involve injecting a filler agent into the paralyzed vocal cord in order to help restore a normal sounding, strong voice. Patients who have a paralyzed vocal cord have a very weak and breathy sounding voice. The 3 different methods shown here vary only in needle approach as well as whether sedation is used or not: unsedated needle injection from below the vocal cords (cricothyroid approach), needle injection from above the vocal cords (thyrohyoid approach), and trans-oral sedated approach. Regardless of the method, the goal is to move the paralyzed vocal cord towards the middle so that the mobile vocal cord can meet it tightly. With tight vocal cord closure, the vocal quality and strength should improve significantly. Intro (0:00) Method Cricothyroid Approach (0:52) Method Thyrohyoid Approach (1:33) Method Trans-Oral Sedated Approach (1:52) Vocal cord examination is performed via trans-nasal endoscopy: For more info on paralyzed vocal cord treatment: Real-life paralyzed vocal cord injection: Video on the 6 different types of vocal cord paralysis: Check out our online throat care store: Video created by Dr. Christopher Chang: #paralyzedvocalcord