Adjustable laryngoplasty device

摘要

An adjustable laryngoplasty device is provided for medializing a paralyzed vocal cord in a larynx. The device includes an anchoring plate, a prosthesis member, and a pair of adjustment screws which are threaded through the anchoring plate and rotatably connected to the prosthesis member. A window is formed in the patient's thyroid cartilage adjacent the paralyzed vocal cord and the prosthesis member is extended through the window so that it presses against the underlying vocal cord. The anchoring plate is secured to the outer surface of the thyroid cartilage with self-tapping screws which are extended through apertures in the anchoring plate and imbedded into the thyroid cartilage. The adjustment screws are rotatable for moving the prosthesis member relative to the anchoring plate and thereby adjusting the medial position of the vocal cord in the larynx.