33rd Annual Scientific Meeting proceedings

Objectives
To compare how the direction of suture anchored affects the force needed to obtain optimal abduction of the arytenoid cartilage and to measure how suture placement and use of corkscrew anchor interact with the CAD muscle body.

Material and methods
22 Cadaveric equine larynxes, with extra laryngeal musculature removed. 3 prothesis (Fiberwire® 2) preplaced in the muscular process (one corkscrew and two on the arcuate crest of the arytenoid cartilage), and 3 looped suture passers (Fiberloop®) in the caudal rim of the cricoid cartilage. Each suture combination was tightened up to 90 ° abduction (Dixon grade 2) of the left arytenoid cartilage. Tension on the suture, rotation of the larynx and impingement of the suture in the cricoarytenoid dorsalis (CAD) muscle were recorded.

Results
A significant difference (p<0,01) in tension force needed for optimal abduction was noted for any construct implying a corkscrew montage (7.45 N±4). Muscle impingement of the CAD was significantly less important with a cranial anchor implying a corkscrew than any other construct. No significant difference of rotation was noted the different implantation, caudal or cranial.

Conclusions
The more the laryngoplasty sutures mimic the CAD muscle (points of insertion and direction), the less force is needed to abduct the arytenoid in an optimal position. The corkscrew construct allows less force needed for optimal abduction and interact less with the muscle than other constructs. No obvious difference is noted on position of the suture on the caudal cricoid.