Dual Hook Laryngeal Cable Prosthesis (DHLCP) used to correct airflow in the larynx of horses affected with left recurrent laryngeal neuropathy

摘要

In a horse with left recurrent laryngeal neuropathy, abduction of the arytenoid cartilage on the affected side of the larynx cannot be achieved, causing progressive collapse of the arytenoid cartilage and vocal cord into the airway as negative inspiratory pressure increases. This produces airflow limitations that result in more rapid development of hypoxemia, hypercarbia, and metabolic acidosis, causing early fatigue and poor performance. Horses with left recurrent laryngeal neuropathy have a history of upper airway obstruction during exercise, including abnormal inspiratory respiratory noise and exercise intolerance. This noise is the result of air turbulence created as air passes over the affected vocal cord and ventricle, which acts as resonators. The DHLCP caudal and cranial device's are placed between the cricoid and the arytenoid cartilages and will permanently abduct the affected arytenoid cartilage. Once abducted sufficiently, it will provide unobstructed respiration during exercise, but not so much that saliva, food, and water are aspirated during swallowing.