Teflon paste injection into the paralytic vocal fold. A simple procedure to improve disturbed cough function.

Teflon paste injection into the paralytic vocal fold is a simple method for the relief of difficulties with insufficient expectoration and for the prevention of aspiration caused by laryngeal paralysis. The laryngeal valve and voice functions in three patients with unilateral laryngeal paralysis were studied before and after teflon paste injection. Aerodynamic registrations comprised subglottal and supraglottal air pressure and oral air flow during cough and phonation. The aerodynamic records, as well as the patients' own reports, all showed improved laryngeal valve function as a result of the treatment and these improvements were not accompanied by any deterioration in respiratory function as revealed by pre- and postoperative spirometry.