Reinnervation and neurostimulation of the larynx

Dynamic rehabilitation of vocal fold paralysis (VFP) should receive more emphasis in the future. In unilateral immobility with signs of atrophy and wide glottal gap, non-selective reinnervation with ansa cervicalis may become an alternative to augmentation and thyroplasty. For bilateral VFP progress has been made in the concepts of selective reinnervation and neurostimulation (pacing). These new therapies have the potential to restore near normal respiration-without compromising the voice quality-and may contribute to the development of larynx transplantation surgery.