Detecting Vocal Fold Motion Impairment with Ultrasound

This observational study is looking at how well a point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) can detect vocal fold motion impairment (VFMI) in children. VFMI is when your vocal cords don't move properly, which can happen after certain surgeries. The study will use POCUS to look at your vocal cords while you are on a breathing machine (noninvasive positive pressure ventilation, or NIV PPV) and again after you are off it. Researchers will compare these ultrasound results to a standard test called fiberoptic nasolaryngoscopy (FNL) to see if POCUS can reliably find VFMI in children on NIV PPV. The study aims to enroll 50 children aged 1 day to 18 years who are scheduled for an FNL to check for VFMI after specific surgeries.

Study design
This is an observational study aiming to enroll 50 participants. It is not specified if it is randomized or blinded.
What's involved
You would have two ultrasounds of your voice box (larynx): one while on a breathing machine and another after it's removed.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
The main outcome (VFMI) will be measured at 2 years.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT06406725

Detection of Vocal Fold Motion Impairment on Noninvasive Positive Pressure

Recruiting
Not specifiedAges 1–18Observational
Nemours Children's Clinic
~50 participants
Updated 2026-05-06 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Point-of-Care Ultrasound of the Airway

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
VFMI
Measured over 2 years
Vocal Cord Dysfunction
Vocal Cord Paralysis
Vocal Cord Paresis
Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Palsy
Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Injuries
1 sites across 1 states
New York1

Opens a ready-to-send draft in your own email app — review before sending.

Do you actually qualify for this trial?

Add a private profile and we'll compare every criterion below against your situation — and tell you which ones are met, uncertain, or excluding.

Check eligibility for this trial ~2 min · HIPAA-protected · delete anytime
Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Age 0 to 18 years
Scheduled to receive a fiberoptic nasolaryngoscopy with the otolaryngology team to assess for vocal fold motion impairment
Status post great vessel, esophageal, or tracheal surgery that could disrupt the recurrent laryngeal nerve

Exclusion

Tracheostomy in place
Age \>18 years
History of vocal cord paralysis/paresis
Patients who cannot have their neck placed in a neutral or slightly extended position due to injury or ligament laxity
  • VFMI2 years

    Our primary outcome measure will be the detection of vocal fold motion impairment on patients as detected by laryngeal point-of-care ultrasound while on NIV PPV.