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Vocal Cord Paralysis

If a vocal cord is paralyzed, then the physician will consider injecting a substance into the vocal cord to thicken it and, thereby, improve the patient's vocal quality. This technique is traditionally performed in the operating room under general anesthesia, but new endoscopic approaches are being developed to allow physicians to perform this procedure in the office. Other techniques for improving vocal quality include placing an external implant outside the vocal cord to push the vocal cord toward the center of the larynx to strengthen a breathy voice.