Individual Subject Laryngeal Dimensions of Multiple Mammalian Species for Biomechanical Models

Abstract

Objectives:

This report provides a detailed knowledge base of individual subject laryngeal cartilage dimensions across multiple species to assist researchers in creating subject-specific biomechanical laryngeal models.

Methods:

The raw data from previous laryngeal cartilage studies were grouped by species (for human, canine, and ovine) and by cartilage (arytenoid, thyroid, and cricoid) by means of a previously reported labeling scheme. No animals were sacrificed specifically for the present study.

Results:

More than 1,500 measurements from 37 subjects are presented in 15 tables. No comparisons of the average measures were attempted, as they were done in previous studies.

Conclusions:

By means of a database of individual subject dimensions, a laryngeal model could be designed and tested to morph from one subject to the next, predicting subject-specific results of laryngeal function. Eventually, this would lead to modeling patient-specific laryngeal disorders and the prediction of therapeutic outcomes. An electronic downloadable version of the database is made available to assist in this effort.