Clinical Research Directory

Endotracheal Tube Versus Transcartilage Needle Electrodes for Nerve Monitoring in Thyroid Surgery

Intraoperative neuromonitoring of the recurrent laryngeal nerve during thyroidectomy is most commonly performed with surface electrodes embedded in the endotracheal tube (ETT). ETT electrodes are prone to malposition, rotation and secretions, which can produce low signal amplitudes and false signal loss. Transcartilage needle electrodes (TCN), placed into the thyroid cartilage, have been reported to yield higher and more stable amplitudes. This single-center prospective study records ETT and TCN signals simultaneously in the same patient during thyroidectomy, so that each patient serves as their own control. The primary aim is to compare how often each electrode type shows a false amplitude decrease of more than 50% in nerves without true injury. Voice and swallowing outcomes are assessed before surgery and at 2 weeks and 3 months after surgery using the Turkish versions of the Voice Handicap Index-10 and the Eating Assessment Tool-10.

Laryngotracheal Lesions in Adults With Long-Term Tracheostomy

This multicenter prospective observational cohort study will enroll 224 adults with a tracheostomy tube in place for at least 14 days. Within 1 week after enrollment, each participant will undergo a standardized three-station bronchoscopy through the tracheostomy tube and transnasally, with temporary tube occlusion and immediate tube replacement when required. The study will describe the prevalence, anatomic distribution, and severity of laryngotracheal lesions, including mucosal ulceration, scar formation, granulation tissue, vocal cord paralysis, subglottic stenosis, and tracheomalacia. The study will also evaluate clinical and tracheostomy-related factors associated with these lesions. No treatment is assigned by the study; the bronchoscopy is a standardized diagnostic assessment performed for research evaluation.

Single Dose 4-Aminopyridine for Diagnosing Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Paralysis Continuity After Trauma

This study aims to evaluate the role of single-dose 4-aminopyridine on the diagnosis of recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) paralysis. In addition, the investigational treatment will be used to test the hypothesis that 4-aminopyridine can speed the determination of nerve continuity after RLN injuries.

Assessment of Laryngopharyngeal Sensation: Cancer Survivor Cohort

A previous study completed in 2022 (NCT05158179) was conducted using cohorts of healthy controls, and adults with general laryngopharyngeal disorders. This study will expand on the previous research to include a separate cohort of adults being seen in clinic for an existing laryngopharyngeal disorder resulting from previous radiation or other cancer treatments.

Usefulness and Feasibility of Ultrasound in Office Laryngology Procedures

Investigators will assess the usefulness of using ultrasound in office procedures for laryngology interventions. Participants who qualify will be adults who are undergoing superior laryngeal nerve block, injection laryngoplasty, swallowing evaluation, voice evaluation and voice therapy.

Detection of Vocal Fold Motion Impairment on Noninvasive Positive Pressure

The goal of this prospective, observational study is to evaluate for the presence of vocal fold motion impairment (VFMI) in the children admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit on noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NIV PPV). Participants will have two ultrasounds of their vocal folds performed, once while on NIV PPV and once after weaned off of the NIV PPV. This results of these scans will be reviewed against one another and against the gold standard, fiberoptic nasolaryngoscopy (FNL). The main question this study aims to answer is: Can POCUS be used to reliably detect VFMI while pediatric patients on supported with NIV PPV?