Epiglottis reshaping using CO2 laser: a minimally invasive technique and its potent applications.
Bourolias C, Hajiioannou J, Sobol E, Velegrakis G, Helidonis E.
Department of Otolaryngology, University of Crete School of Medicine, Heraklion, Crete, Greece. bourolias@hotmail.com
Laryngomalacia (LRM), is the most common laryngeal abnormality of the newborn, caused by a long curled epiglottis, which prolapses posteriorly. Epiglottis prolapse during inspiration (acquired laryngomalacia) is an unusual cause of airway obstruction and a rare cause of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS).We present a minimally invasive technique where epiglottis on cadaveric larynx specimens was treated with CO2 laser. The cartilage reshaping effect induced by laser irradiation was capable of exposing the glottis opening widely. This technique could be used in selected cases of LRM and OSAS due to epiglottis prolapse as an alternative, less morbid approach.
PMID: 18655713 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]PMCID: PMC2525631