Evaluating voice rest after injection laryngoplasty for vocal cord paralysis

Voice Rest and Injection Laryngoplasty: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional University of Virginia · NCT05542550

This study is testing whether taking a break from using your voice after a specific throat procedure helps people with vocal cord paralysis recover better than if they don’t rest their voice.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment150 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 89 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Virginia Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy, radiation
Locations1 site (Charlottesville, Virginia)
Trial IDNCT05542550 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to assess the effects of voice rest following injection laryngoplasty on patients with vocal cord paralysis. It will compare subjective and objective outcomes between patients who undergo voice rest and those who do not after the procedure. Injection laryngoplasty is performed to improve glottic closure, enhancing voice quality and swallowing function. The study will involve patients over 18 years old who are receiving this treatment for various causes of vocal fold immobility or hypomobility.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 years old with vocal cord paralysis due to conditions like atrophy, scar, or immobility.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of head and neck radiation, recent chemotherapy, or acute laryngeal injury may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved recovery strategies for patients with vocal cord paralysis, enhancing their voice quality and overall quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: While injection laryngoplasty is a well-established procedure, the specific evaluation of voice rest post-procedure is less commonly studied, making this approach somewhat novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age \>18 years old
2. Undergoing injection augmentation by Dr. McGarey, Dr. Torrecillas, or Dr. Daniero for the following conditions:

   1. Glottic insufficiency from atrophy, scar, or presbylarynx
   2. Unilateral or bilateral vocal fold immobility
   3. Unilateral or bilateral vocal fold hypomobility

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Prior history of head and neck radiation.
2. Active or recent (within 3 months) chemotherapy.
3. Age \<18 years old
4. Incarcerated individuals will be excluded due to inability to enroll in post-intervention clinic visit
5. Presence of posterior glottic stenosis
6. Presence of acute laryngeal injury
7. Bedside inpatient injection augmentation
8. Vocal fold Injection with steroids or cidofovir

Where this trial is running

Charlottesville, Virginia

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Vocal Cord Paralysis
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.