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Journal of Undergraduate Research

Keywords

anatomical variation, porcine recurrent laryngeal nerve, RLN

College

Life Sciences

Department

Physiology and Developmental Biology

Abstract

Selective reinnervation of the posterior cricoarytenoid muscle (PCA), accomplished by anastomosis of a transected recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) with the phrenic nerve, is the best treatment for vocal cord paralysis and RLN compromise. However, anatomical variation of the RLN in human patients contributes to the likelihood of post-operative complications such as laryngeal synkinesis. The purpose of this study, Anatomical Variation of the Porcine Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve, is to establish a clear and detailed understanding of RLN branching patterns in pigs, the animal model most similar to humans in regards to laryngeal anatomy, to determine nerve branches that are best suited for anastomosis with the phrenic nerve, and serve as a basis for improving PCA reinnervation techniques in future preclinical studies.

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