Seeking a Dynamic Solution to Unilateral Vocal Cord Paralysis
Level - UndergradIn Dr. Michael Johns’ presentation to the class on February 2, 2004, he stated that the Holy Grail for the treatment of unilateral vocal cord paralysis was a dynamic solution that would involve the reinnervation of the laryngeal musculature. For this problem your team is challenged to propose a novel solution for this problem that employs modern tissue engineering techniques for the reinnervation of muscles. In addition to a description of your proposed solution, your proposal must include an evaluation and description of the: (1) most relevant research conducted to date on tissue engineering approaches to nerve repair and/or reinnervation of muscles, (2) research that must be performed for your solution to be reduced to practice, and (3) “high-risk” factors your proposed solution hinges on, i.e. if they don’t turn out as you planned your solution won’t work.