Closing the Glottic Gap

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Glottic insufficiency, also known as glottic gap, is a common cause of dysphonia that can lead to symptoms such as a soft voice, decreased projection, and vocal fatigue. Treatment options for glottic gap may include surgical and behavioral therapies, or a combination of both. When surgery is chosen, the primary goal is to close the glottic gap. However, the effectiveness of different treatment modalities can vary. This continuing medical education course will review the etiology of glottic gap in different age groups, including geriatric, adult, and pediatric populations. It will also provide an evidence-based analysis of treatment options for glottic gap in these populations, including video presentations of surgical approaches and patient scenarios illustrating the indications for temporary and permanent injection medialization laryngoplasty, thyroplasty, and other surgical treatment modalities.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 1: Explain the differences between the available materials for injection medialization laryngoplasty and how they affect the voice and vibratory function in pediatric, adult, and geriatric populations.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 2: Recognize the indications for surgical intervention of glottic insufficiency in geriatric, adult, and pediatric populations.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 3: Interpret the evidence that supports an algorithm for the treatment of glottic gaps based on etiology and other factors in geriatric, adult, and pediatric populations.

BACKGROUND STATEMENT: This course will explore alternative treatment options for closing the glottic gap due to the limited availability of Cymetra without negatively impacting vocal fold vibration.