Dynamic Laryngeal Opening for Bilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis by an Implanted Stimulator (NCT00845442) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
Dynamic Laryngeal Opening for Bilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis by an Implanted Stimulator
United States6 participantsStarted 2006-01-01
Plain-language summary
People who had paralysis of the vocal cords are often prevented from breathing by this problem because the cords will not open, and the patients have to wear a tracheostomy (neck breathing tube) to bypass this airway obstruction. This study examines the effects of vocal cord opening triggered by a pacemaker implanted over the chest wall. The device is connected to a nerve taken from a muscle close to the larynx (voice box) and implanted into the paralysed laryngeal muscle so it can reinnervate it. When this process is complete after a few weeks, the stimulator is turned on and the level of vocal cord opening is assessed. Airway improvement is checked by pulmonary function tests and measurements of vocal cord opening. The ultimate goal of the study is to lead to situations where patients with bilateral vocal fold paralyses could get rid of the neck breathing tube to have less complications, be more comfortable and socially acceptable.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 85 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Breathing difficulties from vocal cord paralyses
* Tracheostomy tube
* Ability to understand the purpose of the research
* Appropriate hand motor coordination
Exclusion Criteria:
* Lack of understanding the research
* Poor hand motor coordination
* Non-acceptance of tracheostomy
* Inability to passively move the paralyzed vocal cords
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
Trial details
NCT IDNCT00845442
SponsorUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center