Laryngeal reinnervation using the split-phrenic nerve-graft procedure.

A new operative procedure for reinnervation of the paralyzed larynx is described. Initial successes in a series of animals have shown that use of the split-phrenic nerve-graft procedure results in functional abduction of the paralyzed vocal cord, while preserving innervation to the diaphragm. Electromyography, microlaryngoscopic movies, chest fluoroscopic examination, and nerve compound action potential recordings were all used to document these findings. This procedure appears to have several advantages over the neuromuscular pedicle operation described by Tucker.