Publication

Abstract : VOCAL CORD DYSFUNCTION (VCD), apart from affecting voice, compromises airway clearance by interfering with cough mechanism, subjects the airway to contamination, and can cause inspiratory obstruction and ventilatory failure. 1 The VCD can occur because of direct trauma after endotracheal intubation or it can be secondary to damage to the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) in its cervical or intrathoracic course. In a cardiac surgical patient, the VCD can be confused with respiratory or cardiac failure. 1 The authors describe clinical presentation and consequences of VCD in 2 patients after mitral valve replacement for mitral valve disease. The possible mechanism of RLN injury and review of the literature are presented.