LARYNGEAL KEEL

摘要

A laryngeal keel is disclosed that is effective in preventing the recurrence of anterior glottic stenosis after surgical correction thereof. The keel is molded from silicone rubber and includes a flexible extralaryngeal portion and a flexible keel portion dimensioned to extend through the anterior commisure and sufficiently thin to ensure that said commisure is sharp and that the thyroid laminae can be closely approximated. The extralaryngeal portion is dimensioned to umbrella the area of the anterior commisure to prevent the escape of laryngeal secretions by way of the thyrotomy and to be sutured securely to the thyroid laminae. The flexibility of the umbrella portion minimizes asynchronous motion between the keel and the vocal cords. These factors, together with the inertness of the silicone rubber ensure re-epithelialization of the incised tissue in engagement therewith.