Comparing surgical options for treating speech issues after cleft palate repair

Velopharyngeal insufficiency following cleft palate repair: a comparative effectiveness study of existing surgical procedures and identification of criteria to guide a personalized treatment approach

NIH-funded research Phoenix Children's Hospital · NIH-11110668

This study is looking at how well different surgeries can help kids with speech problems caused by velopharyngeal insufficiency after cleft palate repair, using special imaging to better understand their needs and improve treatment options.

Quick facts

Grant typeU01 cooperative agreement
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionPhoenix Children's Hospital NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Phoenix, United States)
Project IDNIH-11110668 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI), a condition that can occur after cleft palate repair, leading to speech difficulties. The study aims to compare different surgical procedures to determine their effectiveness in improving speech intelligibility. It utilizes nasopharyngoscopy, an imaging technique, to assess the anatomical factors contributing to VPI and to guide personalized treatment plans. By addressing the limitations of current assessment methods, the research seeks to enhance surgical decision-making for affected children.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years who have undergone cleft palate repair and are experiencing speech difficulties due to VPI.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have a history of cleft palate repair or who are not experiencing speech issues related to VPI may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective surgical treatments for children with speech issues related to cleft palate repair.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that personalized surgical approaches can improve outcomes for similar conditions, suggesting potential success for this comparative effectiveness study.

Where this research is happening

Phoenix, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.