Chondrocytes suspended in modified fibrin glue for vocal fold augmentation: An in vitro study in a porcine larynx model.

BACKGROUND

Injection laryngoplasty is an option for treatment of dysphonia following vocal fold paralysis. Modified fibrin glue with suspended chondrocytes might be a favorable cell-based material for permanent vocal fold medialization.

METHODS

We compared fibrin glue with suspended chondrocytes to collagen and hyaluronic acid gels concerning alteration of vocal fold vibration and correct intralaryngeal placement after intralaryngeal injection into porcine larynges. Viscoelastic properties of the materials were analyzed by means of a parallel plate rheometer.

RESULTS

Fibrin glue with cells was comparable to collagen and hyaluronic acid with respect to amplitudes, symmetry, and periodicity of vocal fold vibration. Application and positioning of fibrin glue with suspended chondrocytes were technically undemanding and comparable with controls. Complex stress modulus of fibrin glue with suspended cells was comparable to that of collagen gel.

CONCLUSIONS

Fibrin glue with suspended chondrocytes seems suitable for the indication of injection laryngoplasty and holds promise for permanent vocal fold medialization.