New imaging technique could transform precision of vocal fold injection procedures
Medical Xpress
February 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Researchers at Stanford University, working alongside scientists from the German Cancer Institute, have made a groundbreaking advancement in vocal fold surgery. They demonstrated that shortwave infrared (SWIR) imaging can be used to visualize injectable filler materials during injection laryngoplasty, a procedure commonly employed to treat vocal fold paralysis and glottic insufficiency. This innovative technique, detailed in the journal *Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery*, offers real-time monitoring of the injected material, significantly enhancing surgical precision.
Injection laryngoplasty is often performed to restore voice clarity and swallowing function in patients with vocal fold paralysis, a condition that can result from nerve injuries or neurological disorders. Until now, surgeons relied on indirect methods to ensure proper placement of the filler material, which could lead to complications such as granuloma formation or incomplete vocal fold closure. SWIR imaging provides high-contrast visualization of the injected material,
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Originally published on Medical Xpress on 2/23/2026