Evaluation of a canine cranial cruciate ligament repair system for use in equine laryngoplasty.

This research article explores the use of a nylon suture system, originally designed for repairing the cranial cruciate ligament in dogs, as a prosthesis for equine laryngoplasty—a surgical correction of laryngeal hemiplegia in horses.

Research Methods

• This study adopted both experimental and prospective clinical research methods.
• The research was carried out on cadaver specimens (n=5) as well as live horses (n=7) suffering from left laryngeal hemiplegia—a paralysis of the left side of the larynx.
• The nylon suture system was implanted as a laryngeal prosthesis, used to secure the arytenoid cartilage—the two triangular pieces of cartilage at the back of the larynx.
• In order to achieve arytenoid cartilage abduction, a tensioning device was applied to the prosthesis as observed through a transnasal endoscope.
• The suture was ultimately fixed by employing crimping clamps and a crimping device.

Research Results

• This nylon suture system proved suitable as a laryngeal prosthesis for arytenoid cartilage abduction in horses.
• The ratchet-like mechanism of the tensioning device allowed for controlled abduction of the arytenoid cartilage, while the suture was secured with the crimped clamp without any loss of tension.
• Postoperative observations indicated a slight loss of tension in 4 horses and a complete tension loss in 1 horse due to cartilage failure.
• Despite this, none of the horses displayed abnormal respiratory noise, exercise intolerance, or cough during convalescence.

Research Conclusions

• The canine cranial cruciate ligament repair system made from nylon sutures worked effectively as a laryngeal prosthesis for equine laryngoplasty.
• For improved control over the degree of arytenoid cartilage abduction during the surgery, the use of a nylon suture system with metal crimps should be considered.