Using ultrasound to assess vocal cord movement in breathing difficulties
Is Laryngeal Ultrasound a Useful Tool in the Assessment of Inducible Laryngeal Obstruction? A Protocol for a Two-stage Exploratory Pilot Study
This study is testing if using ultrasound can help doctors see if vocal cords are moving properly in patients with breathing problems, making it easier and more comfortable than current methods.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Preston, Lancashire) |
| Trial ID | NCT05686941 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study explores the feasibility of using trans-cutaneous laryngeal ultrasound to detect abnormal vocal cord movements during breathing, specifically in patients with conditions like inducible laryngeal obstruction. The study consists of two stages: the first involves healthy volunteers, while the second focuses on patients referred for vocal cord assessment. Traditional methods for evaluating vocal cord function can be uncomfortable and costly, making ultrasound a potentially more accessible alternative. The goal is to determine if ultrasound can effectively identify vocal cord dysfunction, which may lead to unnecessary asthma treatments for some patients.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals experiencing breathing difficulties who have been referred for vocal cord assessment, as well as healthy volunteers without vocal fold pathology.
Not a fit: Patients with known vocal fold pathology or a history of head and neck surgery may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a less invasive and more accessible method for diagnosing vocal cord dysfunction, improving patient care and quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of ultrasound for vocal cord assessment is less common, similar studies have shown promise in utilizing ultrasound for other diagnostic purposes, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Healthy volunteers: * No definite signs or symptoms of vocal fold paralysis * No voice change * No history laryngeal surgeries * No History of pathology * No uncontrolled Respiratory disease Exclusion Criteria: * Participants with a known vocal fold pathology * Participants with a history of head and neck surgery.
Where this trial is running
Preston, Lancashire
- Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust — Preston, Lancashire, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Claire Slinger — Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
- Study coordinator: Claire Slinger
- Email: claire.slinger@lthtr.nhs.uk
- Phone: 01171523237
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.