Mucosal impedance of the larynx: A technical report

Abstract Introduction Mucosal impedance testing measures changes in resistance to alternating electrical current. The purpose of this study is to establish the feasibility of mucosal impedance (MI) measurement in the pediatric larynx. Methods A flexible plastic catheter, whose tip contains paired 2 mm mucosal impedance, is directly applied to the larynx under suspension microlaryngoscopy. Milliohms of resistance is relayed real-time from the catheter and output onto a PC. Results were obtained safely over the course of 5 min of intraoperative time for all 49 patients undergoing routine microlaryngoscopy at a tertiary care pediatric hospital. Results The technique was successful in identifying MI values with reliable and reproducible results. The risk was minimal with no adverse events occurring. Impedance noise reduction was improved by the use of an aqueous gel coating on the probe and an emphasis on measurements of the interarytenoid space, which enabled the sensor rings to contact 360° of the mucosa. Conclusion Laryngeal MI can be safely and reliably performed with reproducible measurements and minimal added procedure time.