Mimicking Human Laryngeal Tissues for a Soft Artificial Prosthesis

The larynx is a vital organ, with three main functions: breathing, swallowing, and phonation. Nevertheless, in the case of advanced laryngeal carcinoma, the total laryngectomy is still the gold standard. This clinical practice causes several physical and social problems to the patient. An implantable artificial larynx, able to reproduce the natural organ functions, is still missing. In a previous work, we have identified the basic structures and movements of the larynx, obtaining a biomimetic design, composed of cartilages, and a thin membrane (the elastic cone) that integrates artificial vocal folds. In this work, we have reproduced the anatomical structures with materials whose mechanical properties match the ones of the natural counterparts, creating a full-scale benchtop prototype of the artificial larynx. Since quantitative data on the mechanical characteristics of the laryngeal cartilages and the elastic cone have never been reported before, this work contributes to the field of artificial organs, with the creation of artificial airway cartilages and mucous-associated membranes. Moreover, it represents a fundamental step towards the creation of an implantable total artificial larynx that will improve the physical and psychological health of laryngectomee patients.