Vocal cord medialization prosthesis.

摘要

A vocal cord medialization prostheisis (10) includes a preformed and presized vocal cord engagement member (12). The engagement member (12) has a base surface (18) and an engagement surface (20) that is inclined a predetermined amount with respect to the base surface (18). Measurement indicia (34) are provided on the engagement member (12) to indicate elevation of the engagement surface (20) at predetermined points along the prosthesis. A vocal cord medialization tool (50) is used to measure displacement of a vocal cord (96) to an optimum phonation and breathing position before insertion of the prosthesis (10). The medialization tool (50) provides measurements that correspond to the sizing indicia (34) on the prosthesis (10). The prosthesis (10) can thus be trimmed to eliminate elevations that are unnecessary for obtaining optimum positioning of a vocal cord. One embodiment of the medialization tool (50) also includes provision (132,134) for measuring the thickness of a thyroid cartilage (92).