Shortwave infrared wavelengths at 1550 nanometers dramatically improved visualization of vocal fold tissues and injection materials compared to standard visible light imaging. Testing on porcine and human laryngeal specimens showed significantly enhanced contrast between vocal fold epithelium and surrounding respiratory tissue, while successfully tracking the placement of common injection materials including saline and carboxymethylcellulose gel. Calcium hydroxyapatite suspensions exhibited natural fluorescence properties under infrared wavelengths, enabling even clearer localization. This imaging advancement addresses a critical challenge in vocal fold injection procedures, where precise filler placement determines therapeutic success but remains difficult to achieve with conventional visualization methods. The enhanced tissue penetration and reduced light scattering of shortwave infrared could transform surgical outcomes for patients with vocal fold paralysis or scarring. While promising for otolaryngology applications, the technique requires specialized infrared imaging equipment not yet standard in operating rooms. The research represents incremental but meaningful progress toward image-guided precision in laryngeal interventions, potentially reducing revision procedures and improving voice restoration outcomes for thousands of patients annually who undergo injection laryngoplasty.
Infrared Imaging Reveals Vocal Fold Injection Placement With Enhanced Precision
📄 Based on research published in Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
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