Vocal Cord Paralysis and VOCOM

Dr. Andrew Blitzer, along with researchers from Johns Hopkins Medical Center and the University of Wisconsin have developed a ceramic, synthetic bone implant to re-establish good voicing in patients who have a vocal cord paralysis and have a poor voice and/or aspiration when drinking or eating. In patients who have a vocal cord paralysis, the vocal cords do not close completely, making the speaking voice breathy, effortful and harsh. Patients have easy fatiguability when speaking. Some experience coughing while drinking fluids. Dr. Blitzer and his colleagues have found that a surgical procedure in which the ceramic (VOCOM) implant is inserted through a neck incision into the voice box under local anesthesia, can allow patients near normal speech, and decrease or prevent aspiration. The VOCOM is FDA approved as a safe and effective device for treatment of vocal cord paralysis. If you would like a consultation or more information about the VOCOM or other option for management of vocal cord paralysis, please call Dr. Blitzer’s office at 212-262-9500 or e-mail.