Researchers from Purdue University (USA) have developed tissue implants that can help rebuild the larynx. Today, after this organ is removed after injury or cancer treatment, the patient loses his voice and the ability to breathe normally.

The larynx is a very complex organ of outer cartilage that gives it the structure, internal muscles for swallowing, articulation, respiration, and inner lining.

Unfortunately, many people need to have their larynx removed due to cancer or trauma. This results in a loss of voice and the need to breathe through the opening in the neck.

“There are few options for reconstructing the larynx and there are no options for restoring its appearance, structure and function,” says Stacy Hallum, Dr. Stacy Hallum, co-author of the paper published in the journal Laryngoscope.

“While surgeons sometimes use a local grafting or other available tissue to repair cavities, these tissues only“ graft holes ”or close cavities without restoring organ function. This is because the implanted tissue is not dynamic – it does not move or shrink. Over time, it usually does. They lose weight and form scars, ” – explains the researcher.

The answer to this challenge is to have a patented collagen polymer and the replacement tissues based on it.

In the future, it should allow the damaged larynx to be reconstructed.

“Our approach is unique because we use case-specific artificial tissues that contain muscles made from progenitor cells collected from the patient” – emphasizes Professor K. Sherry Harbin, co-author of the idea.

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“We are convinced that this will allow patients access to better reconstruction options, so that total laryngeal operations become a thing of the past” – continues the expert.

According to the researchers, the use of the described method should not be limited to the larynx. According to them, a similar technique can also be used to rebuild other parts of the body.

More information on the pages:

https://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/releases/2021/Q1/tissue-engineered-implants-provide-new-hope-for-vocal-injuries.html

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/lary.29282 (PAP)

Author: Marek Matucks

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