The First Application of the Two-Dimensional Scanning Videokymography in Excised Canine Larynx Model

Summary Objective Evaluation of the vibratory pattern of vocal folds is of paramount importance to diagnose vocal fold disorders. Currently, laryngeal videokymography (VKG) and digital kymography from high-speed videolaryngoscopy are the available techniques for studying aperiodic vibrations of vocal folds. But VKG has the fundamental limitation that only linear portion of the vocal fold mucosa can be visualized. Digital kymography has the disadvantages of no immediate feedback during examination, considerable waiting time before kymographic visualization, recoding duration limited to seconds, and extreme demands on storage space. We developed a new system—two-dimensional (2D) scanning VKG—for evaluation of the vibratory pattern of vocal folds, and the method provided a possible alternative with its advantages and disadvantages. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the feasibility of the new device for the vocal fold vibration in excised canine larynx model. Methods The vibrating pattern for vocal folds was evaluated using high-speed videolaryngoscopic and 2D scanning videokymographic system in the excised canine larynx model. Results The images of canine vocal folds were captured with high-speed videolaryngoscopic system and converted to the kymographic images using the software. The kymographic image acquired by 2D scanning VKG was comparable with multi-line digital kymography at multiple locations. Conclusions The vocal fold vibration could be evaluated in the excised canine larynx model using 2D scanning VKG. And this new device is expected to be a promising tool to evaluate the vocal fold vibration for clinical practice and voice research.