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Use of High‐Resolution Magnetic Resonance Imaging to Reconstruct Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Structure in 3D
Author(s) -
Mason Nena,
Robison Scott,
Benvie Archita,
Wisco Jonathan
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.29.1_supplement.869.5
Subject(s) - larynx , recurrent laryngeal nerve , medicine , magnetic resonance imaging , cadaveric spasm , anatomy , radiology , thyroid
Recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) palsy is a common post‐operative complication of many head and neck surgeries. RLN damage often occurs because the RLN is a small peripheral nerve with a highly variable medial/lateral position within the larynx. There is great need for a diagnostic imaging method that can be used to view the specific anatomy of a particular patient prior to surgery to minimize complications. Current literature has shown that the pig is an excellent model for laryngeal anatomy and physiology. In this study, porcine cadaveric larynx specimens were used to develop high‐resolution MR imaging sequences that yield clear images of the RLN as it courses along the tracheoesophageal groove, and branches to innervate the intrinsic muscles of the larynx. We present pilot data of several three‐dimensional (3D) models of porcine RLN structure. Models were generated via segmentation of images using Amira (FEI, Inc.). To confirm the branching pattern, each larynx specimen was dissected to expose the RLN, and then the branches were digitized using a MicroScribe robotic arm. The data were reconstructed to provide a higher resolution, and comparable 3D structure of each RLN specimen. RLN models made via MRI segmentation were meticulously compared to models made via MicroScribe digitization to ensure structural accuracy. We intend to optimize our imaging protocols for use on human patients as a diagnostic imaging technique to augment surgical planning. This research is funded by the BYU College of Life Sciences Start‐Up Mentoring Grant.