In vitro mechanical testing of an alternate laryngoplasty system (ALPS) for horses.

The research is a mechanical evaluation of a new alternate laryngoplasty system (ALPS) in comparison to traditional laryngoplasty techniques using cadaveric horse larynges. The results suggest that ALPS is stiffer and as strong as the traditional technique, with a significantly reduced distraction rate during cyclic testing.

Experiment Overview

• The experiment was carried out on cadaveric horse larynges (10 in number).
• Two types of laryngoplasty systems were tested: a new alternate laryngoplasty system (ALPS), and a traditional laryngoplasty technique using a single strand of #5 Ethibond.
• The ALPS consisted of a metallic anchor, two stands of #2 suture material, and a metallic button.
• The arytenoid and cricoid cartilages were embedded for testing.
• The laryngoplasty constructs were evaluated using an oscillating cyclic test from 30 to 50 Newtons for 3600 cycles.
• The constructs then underwent a single cycle to failure test.

Results of the Testing

• No significant difference was observed in the mean arytenoid single-cycle load-to-failure for the Ethibond (206.9 ± 13.1 N) constructs and the ALPS (220.6 ±17.1 N) constructs.
• In the single-cycle testing on the cricoid, the ALPS constructs (236.0 ± 23.4 N) were notably stronger than the Ethibond constructs (161.5 ± 12.2 N).
• Furthermore, the overall distraction was significantly greater for the Ethibond constructs (6.29 ± 1.24 mm) as opposed to the ALPS constructs (3.43 ± 0.28 mm).

Conclusions

• The ALPS construct showed better mechanical performance. It was not only stiffer but also equally strong as the traditional laryngoplasty construct in single cycle failure in both the arytenoid and cricoid cartilages.
• The ALPS constructs also significantly reduced combined distraction compared to traditional laryngoplasty under cyclic testing conditions.

These findings suggest that ALPS may offer advantages in laryngoplasty procedures for horses in terms of strength, stiffness, and reduced distraction. Further research is needed to evaluate the clinical relevance of these findings.