Vocal cord paralysis

Silk Voice by Sofregen is listed as an injectable implant.

I was diagnosed with LVCP in August 2021 after 6 months of hoarseness by a second ENT. After all testing to determine underlying cause, I was referred to laryngologist at Yale hospital in New Haven, CT. About 6 months ago I had my first filler injection under general anesthesia which worked well but only lasted a short time. My doctor mentioned Silk Voice as the next option. She has just begun using the material on her patients.

I’m hoping to find a laryngologist in Naples, FL to do the procedure ASAP and to find success stories using this filler.

Hello @crab

On the internet, I found information on a government clinical trial for Silk Voice. Here is the link,
--Clinical Trials
https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04315415
If you read the article, you will see that the actual completion date for the clinical trial just ended April 18, 2022, so there might not be a lot of information yet about the results.

As I had an injection that lasted about 6 weeks as well, it was then recommended that I have surgery with a more permanent filler. I went to Cleveland Clinic for this procedure.

If you are going to be in Florida, Mayo Clinic has a facility in Jacksonville. You might consider getting a second opinion with Mayo before getting another injection. Here is a link you can use to request an appointment, http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63

Has a surgical procedure been recommended or suggested for you?

Hello @ensign60,

As I recall you were going back to Mayo for a follow up on your vocal cord injection in early December. I was wondering how you were doing.

Did the follow up exam show that the vocal cord was maintaining the injectable material?

Hi there, I have had the Thyroplasty - the permanent piece put in for my parallized vocal chord and it is great. I had the injection once but could not imagine having that repeated every couple of months. I am very active and surgery was definitely the best option for me.
Good luck and I hope everything goes well for you.
Jackie

I noticed that all these comments are a few years old so I am unsure anyone will respond ,but here goes. I have a paralyzed left vocal cord. It became paralyzed a few weeks after I had heart surgery for a PDA. I was told that it was the scar tissue from my surgery that did this. After a couple years my voice was restored for a few years. Then I caught an upper respiratory infection that caused laryngitis. Of course this didn't go away. Had the vocal cord checked and was told the virus affected the vocal cord because it was weak, and it has been this way for a few years. Would love to find a doctor for this, does anyone know of a clinic or doctor that they would reccommend.I live in NC around the Asheville area. I don't mind a bit of a drive,but was hoping that I could find someone within a couple hours,maybe? Appreciate any help.

Hello @billy7pan and welcome to Mayo Connect. As I also have a paralyzed left vocal cord with an unknown origin, I understand how important it is to find good treatment for voice issues.

As I live in SE Michigan, I cannot provide you with a referral in your area but what I did when I needed surgery was to consult with a multidisciplinary hospital system nearby. Fortunately, there are several in the tri-state area and I picked Cleveland Clinic (about a 3 1/2-hour drive) for my final consultation as well as surgery. Do you have a multidisciplinary medical center nearby? I'm thinking of a university medical school or perhaps a facility like Mayo Clinic?

As my paralyzed vocal cord has an unknown origin (unlike yours that is determined to be a result of heart surgery) has anyone suggested an injection in the vocal cord or perhaps surgery?

As you read the posts, you will meet several members who have had vocal cord treatments. You should feel free to "Reply" to their post, if you would like to ask questions or get more information.

I'm wondering if you have swallowing and/or choking issues in addition to the raspy voice?

@jbell22
Hello Jackie,

I really appreciate you posting about your surgery to treat the paralyzed vocal cord. I also had this surgery several years ago and agree that it is far better than the injections. In my case, the surgery, which was in 2014, is still keeping my voice relatively strong.

How did you find a good surgeon to treat this problem?

My cardiologist sent me to him; he was considered the best in this field (in BC). It was a ways for me to travel but definitely wanted to go him. I did research him as well.

Thank you Jackie and the other responder on the Thyroplasty surgery. I am schedule back to Mayo in early summer for either another procedure or surgery. I was dreading another procedure and your comments have given me the confidence I needed to have the surgery. I am looking forward to it and may even move my appointment date up. Ensign 60

The injection worked for about 5 months but is fading rather rapidly at this time.I plan on going back in early and having the surgery. I have recently read of good success with the surgery. Thanks for the followup. Ensign 60