Three-dimensional planning to optimize individual implant shape and location in thyroplasty surgery: How I do it

Background Although optimal voice outcomes in thyroplasty rely on precise targeting the affected vocal cord, the current surgical practice does not take the significant anatomical variations in this region into account. Method A 3D virtual surgical planning is presented to complement the surgical technique with a patient-specific approach. This technique utilizes preoperative CT imaging of the thyroid cartilage to plan the optimal implant shape and target location. Patient specific 3D printed guides are used intraoperatively to guide the surgery for the optimal position of the implant. Conclusion This paper describes a novel, patient-specific technique to enhance surgical precision in thyroplasty procedures.