Philip A. Weissbrod

Endoscopic CO2 laser cricopharyngeal myotomy

Over the past 10 years, endoscopic cricopharyngeal myotomy laser surgery has been proposed as an alternative to transcervical cricopharyngeal myotomy. We will describe the technique and review the literature so that it may gain credence as a viable option for the treatment of cricopharyngeal achalasia.

Observations of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury and recovery using a rat model.

To evaluate standardized recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injuries using a rat model via minimally invasive transoral electromyography (ToL EMG) and histologic studies.

Electromyographic and histologic evolution of the recurrent laryngeal nerve from transection and anastomosis to mature reinnervation.

To describe the natural evolution of recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) reinnervation in an animal model.

Hunsaker mon-jet tube ventilation: A 15-year experience†‡

The Hunsaker Mon‐Jet tube (HMJT) (Xomed, Jacksonville, FL) has been used effectively for subglottic ventilation. We previously reported a series of 552 patients over a 10‐year period with no major complications. This is a continuation of that series with an additional 5 years of cases.

Reducing injury during video-assisted endotracheal intubation: The “Smart Stylet” concept†‡§

Video‐assisted endoscopic intubation (VAEI) has gained wide use in anesthesiology when difficult intubation is encountered. Even when excellent visualization of the larynx is achieved with VAEI, successful intubation can be difficult and/or traumatic due to awkward angles and rigid stylets. Presented is a modification of standard VAEI procedure that allows for minimization of intubation trauma.

Is percutaneous dilational tracheotomy equivalent to traditional open surgical tracheotomy with regard to perioperative and postoperative complications

BACKGROUND Tracheotomy is one of the most common procedures performed by otolaryngologists. The traditional method involves an open surgical technique (OST) performed in the operating room (OR). Since the mid-1980s, percutaneous dilational tracheotomies (PDT) have been performed by otolaryngologists and nonotolaryngologists with increasing frequency. An energized discussion in the literature has raised questions about the superiority of one technique versus the other in regard to the perioperative and long-term postoperative complications. Several prospective studies and meta-analysis reviews have addressed this question and compared OST with PDT. This review will summarize some of this literature to address the question of which technique is superior with respect to associated complications. It should be noted that the important discussion of medical economics related to tracheotomy is beyond the scope of this brief review.

Molecular targeting of papillary thyroid carcinoma with fluorescently labeled ratiometric activatable cell penetrating peptides in a transgenic murine model

Molecularly targeted fluorescent molecules may help detect tumors that are unseen by traditional white‐light surgical techniques. We sought to evaluate a fluorescent ratiometric activatable cell penetrating peptide (RACPP) for tumor detection in a transgenic model of PTC.

Predictors of high-risk and low-risk oral HPV infection in the United States

Determine predictors of high‐risk and low‐risk oral HPV infection in the United States.

Quantity and Three-Dimensional Position of the Recurrent and Superior Laryngeal Nerve Lower Motor Neurons in a Rat Model

Objectives: We sought to elucidate the 3-dimensional position and quantify the lower motor neurons (LMNs) of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) and the superior laryngeal nerve (SLN) in a rat model. Quantification and mapping of these neurons will enhance the usefulness of the rat model in the study of reinnervation following trauma to these nerves. Methods: Female Sprague-Dawley rats underwent microsurgical transection of the RLN, the SLN, or both the RLN and SLN or sham surgery. After transection, either Fluoro-Ruby (FR) or Fluoro-Gold (FG) was applied to the proximal nerve stumps. The brain stems were harvested, sectioned, and examined for fluorolabeling. The LMNs were quantified, and their 3-dimensional position within the nucleus ambiguus was mapped. Results: Labeling of the RLN was consistent regardless of the labeling agent used. A mean of 243 LMNs was documented for the RLN. The SLN labeling with FR was consistent and showed a mean of 117 LMNs; however, FG proved to be highly variable in labeling the SLN. The SLN LMNs lie rostral and ventral to those of the RLN. In the sham surgical condition, FG was noted to contaminate adjacent tissues — In particular, in the region of the SLN. Conclusions: Fluorolabeling is an effective tool to locate and quantify the LMNs of the RLN and SLN. The LMN positions and counts were consistent when FR was used in labeling of either the RLN or the SLN. Fluoro-Gold, however, because of its tendency to contaminate surrounding structures, can only be used to label the RLN. Also, as previously reported, the SLN LMNs lie rostral and ventral to those of the RLN. This information results in further clarification of a rat model of RLN injury that may be used to investigate the effects of neurotrophic factors on RLN reinnervation.

Esophageal dilation in head and neck cancer patients: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

To characterize the safety profile and effectiveness of esophageal dilation in head and neck cancer patients.