Adjustable Vocal Implant System (VOIS) for Unilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis: Short-Term Outcomes From a 12-Patient Case Series.

BACKGROUND

Unilateral vocal cord palsy (UVCP) significantly affects phonation and swallowing. While injection laryngoplasty and medialisation thyroplasty are effective, both may require revision. Vocal Implant System (VOIS; APrevent Biotech GmbH) is an adjustable titanium-silicone thyroplasty implant that allows postoperative modification, potentially reducing the need for further surgery.

METHODS

Twelve patients, seven male and five female, underwent VOIS implantation. Voice outcomes were assessed pre- and postoperatively using the GRBAS scale and the Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10).

RESULTS

The composite GRBAS score improved significantly from 9.0 ± 1.87 to 3.75 ± 2.49 (p = 0.0024). The VHI-10 decreased from 25.75 ± 9.36 to 14.92 ± 9.55 (p = 0.0093). No intra- or postoperative complications occurred. Two patients required postoperative implant volume adjustments-one performed in clinic and one under local anaesthetic in theatre.

CONCLUSION

The VOIS implant thyroplasty demonstrated significant improvement in both perceptual and patient-reported voice outcomes with a favourable safety profile. Larger, long-term studies are warranted to confirm its comparative efficacy and durability.