Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
3D printed device lowers airway resistance in dog larynx study
By MacGillivray, Katelyn E et al.·Published in BMC veterinary research·2022·Veterinary Specialists and Emergency Services, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Effects of a novel, 3D printed bilateral arytenoid abductor on canine laryngeal airway resistance ex vivo.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A study looked at how a new 3D printed device could help dogs with laryngeal paralysis, a condition that can cause serious breathing problems, especially in older large breed dogs. The device, called a bilateral arytenoid abductor, was tested on dog larynxes to see if it could reduce airway resistance, making it easier for dogs to breathe. Results showed that when the epiglottis (the flap that covers the windpipe) was open, the device significantly lowered airway resistance, which is a positive sign for future use in real dogs. Further research is needed to see how well this device works in living dogs and what materials are best for it.
People also search for: dog laryngeal paralysis treatment · breathing problems in older dogs · 3D printed device for dog airway issues
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Laryngeal paralysis is a disease process most commonly seen in older, large breed dogs. When both arytenoid cartilages are affected dogs can develop life-threatening respiratory compromise, therefore surgical intervention is recommended. While there are multiple surgical procedures that have been described to treat laryngeal paralysis, there remains a considerable risk for postoperative complications, most commonly aspiration pneumonia. The objective of this ex vivo experimental study was to evaluate the effects of a novel, 3D printed bilateral arytenoid abductor on laryngeal airway resistance in canine cadaver larynges. Laryngeal airway resistance was calculated for each specimen before (control) and after placement of a 3D printed, bilateral arytenoid abductor. The airway resistance was measured at an airflow of 10 L/min with the epiglottis closed and at airflows ranging from 15 L/min to 60 L/min with the epiglottis open. The effects of the bilateral arytenoid abductor on laryngeal airway resistance were evaluated statistically. RESULTS: With the epiglottis open, median laryngeal airway resistance in all larynges with a bilateral arytenoid abductor were significantly decreased at airflows of 15 L/min (0.0cmH2O/L/sec), 30 L/min (0.2cmH2O/L/sec), and 45 L/min (0.2cmH2O/L/sec) compared to the controls 15 L/min (0.4cmH2O/L/sec; P = 0.04), 30 L/min (0.9cmH2O/L/sec; P = 0.04), and 45 L/min (1.2cmH2O/L/sec; P = 0.04). When the epiglottis was closed, there was no significant difference in laryngeal resistance between the control (18.8cmHO/L/sec) and the abducted larynges (18.1cmHO/L/sec; P = 0.83). CONCLUSIONS: Placement of a bilateral arytenoid abductor reduced laryngeal resistance in canine cadaver larynges compared to the controls when the epiglottis was open. With the epiglottis closed, there was no loss of laryngeal resistance while the device abducted the arytenoid cartilages. The results of this ex vivo study is encouraging for consideration of further evaluation of the bilateral arytenoid abductor to determine an appropriate material and tolerance of this device in vivo.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35596179/