Simulation of Velopharyngeal Biomechanics Identifies Differences in Sphincter Pharyngoplasty Outcomes: A Matched Case–Control Study

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to develop a framework for 3D subject-specific computational models capable of simulating velopharyngeal biomechanics for anatomic changes that occur following pharyngoplasty and to gain insight into biomechanical factors that may lead to different speech/surgical outcomes. Patient-specific models for two, matched participants with differing speech/surgical outcomes were developed: one with a successful pharyngoplasty outcome and one with a failed pharyngoplasty outcome. Surgical scenarios were simulated to model pharyngoplasty location, identify LVP muscle biomechanics, and identify an optimal pharyngoplasty location for each participant. These simulations illustrate the potential for optimizing pharyngoplasties based on patient-specific geometry.