Adjustable Vocal Implant System ( VOIS ) for Unilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis: Short‐Term Outcomes From a 12‐Patient Case Series
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Unilateral vocal cord palsy (UVCP) significantly affects phonation and swallowing. While injection laryngoplasty and medialisation thyroplasty are effective, both may require revision. Vocal Implant System (VOIS; APrevent Biotech GmbH) is an adjustable titanium-silicone thyroplasty implant that allows postoperative modification, potentially reducing the need for further surgery. METHODS: Twelve patients, seven male and five female, underwent VOIS implantation. Voice outcomes were assessed pre- and postoperatively using the GRBAS scale and the Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10). RESULTS: The composite GRBAS score improved significantly from 9.0 ± 1.87 to 3.75 ± 2.49 (p = 0.0024). The VHI-10 decreased from 25.75 ± 9.36 to 14.92 ± 9.55 (p = 0.0093). No intra- or postoperative complications occurred. Two patients required postoperative implant volume adjustments-one performed in clinic and one under local anaesthetic in theatre. CONCLUSION: The VOIS implant thyroplasty demonstrated significant improvement in both perceptual and patient-reported voice outcomes with a favourable safety profile. Larger, long-term studies are warranted to confirm its comparative efficacy and durability.
Source: Clinical Otolaryngology
DOI: 10.1111/coa.70142
Language: English
Topic: Voice and Speech Disorders
Subfield: Physiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,520
OpenAlex ID: W7168761630