INTRA-OPERATIVE LARYNGOSCOPIC INSTRUMENT FOR CHARACTERIZING VOCAL FOLD VISCOELASTICITY

摘要

This prototype system demonstrates the basic capabilities necessary to measure the biomechanical properties of vocal folds over the frequency and strain range of interest. At least to the level of enabling the testing of tissue samples, it is suitable as a bench-top instrument. The speed, range of motion, power and force-measurement specifications all meet or exceed those necessary for our experiments. Surgeon feedback regarding the form factor of a full scale model has indicated a need to improve the form-factor of the device, as the structure housing the Scotch yoke is too large for human clinical work.