Current Endoscopic Treatment of Dysphonia

Benign laryngeal disorders result in dysphonia because of effects on glottic closure and the vibratory characteristics of the true vocal fold. Treatment is initially directed at reversing medical conditions and patterns of abuse with surgery reserved for unresolving lesions resulting in troublesome dysphonia. Benign lesions that require surgery are excised as precisely as possible sparing overlying mucosa and the underlying vocal ligament. Vocal fold scarring is currently best treated by augmentation procedures, and atrophy may be compensated for by medialization thyroplasty or by adding bulk to the affected folds. Application of current knowledge of laryngeal histology and physiology is prerequisite to endoscopic surgical intervention

Fleet Avenue Revitalization Strategy

Slavic Village Development, Inc., the nonprofit community development corporation in the Slavic Village neighborhood of Cleveland, engaged the Center for Community Planning and Development at Cleveland State University to assist with a revitalization strategy for Fleet Avenue. The study team was charged to work with SVD leaders and the neighborhood’s City Councilman, Tony Brancatelli, to evaluate market opportunities for food production businesses and local retail, and to develop an overall parcel-by-parcel strategy for commercial rehabilitation, and new commercial and housing infill on the street

Fleet Avenue Revitalization Strategy

Slavic Village Development, Inc., the nonprofit community development corporation in the Slavic Village neighborhood of Cleveland, engaged the Center for Community Planning and Development at Cleveland State University to assist with a revitalization strategy for Fleet Avenue. The study team was charged to work with SVD leaders and the neighborhood’s City Councilman, Tony Brancatelli, to evaluate market opportunities for food production businesses and local retail, and to develop an overall parcel-by-parcel strategy for commercial rehabilitation, and new commercial and housing infill on the street

City of Oberlin, Comprehensive Housing Study and Needs Analysis

The Center for Community Planning and Development was engaged by the City of Oberlin, Ohio to develop a comprehensive housing needs assessment. A fact-finding study with recommendations, it is intended to support future policy discussion and visioning as part of the City’s planned comprehensive plan process in the coming year. This study was completed with input and guidance from the City and a Housing Study Steering Committee of community stakeholders, a Community Open House, and interviews with residents, workers, business owners, and community leaders. Data analysis demonstrated a need for additional housing for low-income families, starter housing for younger households, and housing for seniors of all incomes. Housing rehabilitation was identified as a substantial immediate priority, to be supported by the expansion of nonprofit capacity, either at the city or regional/county level. Community input described the Oberlin housing market as focused on the “Oberlin lifestyle”, as a college community providing walkability, convenience, small town community, historic character, and high-level arts and culture. To that end, recommendations were made regarding future development design, neighborhood connectivity, community branding, and community visioning and land use decisions to support enhancement of the Oberlin lifestyle

Variety Village District Economic Analysis: Retail Market Expansion, Economic Impact, and Fiscal Impact

This study outlines the economic and fiscal impacts of the redevelopment of the Variety Village District, comprised of the Variety Theatre Complex, a new public parking lot, and 40,000 square feet of new retail along Lorain Avenue. In addition, as shown in the full report, a portion of the location decision for at least three local industries which are moving to, or expanding their enterprise in, the immediate Westown neighborhood, can be attributed to the catalytic effect of the Variety Village District redevelopment

Second primary squamous cell carcinoma arising in cutaneous flap reconstructions of two head and neck cancer patients

Early complications of myocutaneous flap transfers following surgical eradication of head and neck tumors have been extensively described. However, knowledge concerning long-term complications of these techniques remains limited. We report the cases of two patients with a prior history of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC), who developed a second primary SCC on the cutaneous surface of their flaps, years after reconstruction. Interestingly, it seems that the well-known risk of a second primary SCC in patients with previous head and neck carcinoma also applies to foreign tissues implanted within the area at risk. Given the important expansion of these interventions, this type of complication may become more frequent in the future. Therefore, long-term follow-up of patients previously treated for HNSCC not only requires careful evaluation of the normal mucosa of the upper aero-digestive tract, but also of the cutaneous surface of the flap used for reconstruction

Transoral laser microsurgery for laryngeal cancer: A primer and review of laser dosimetry

Transoral laser microsurgery (TLM) is an emerging technique for the management of laryngeal and other head and neck malignancies. It is increasingly being used in place of traditional open surgery because of lower morbidity and improved organ preservation. Since the surgery is performed from the inside working outward as opposed to working from the outside in, there is less damage to the supporting structures that lie external to the tumor. Coupling the laser to a micromanipulator and a microscope allows precise tissue cutting and hemostasis; thereby improving visualization and precise ablation. The basic approach and principles of performing TLM, the devices currently in use, and the associated dosimetry parameters will be discussed. The benefits of using TLM over conventional surgery, common complications and the different settings used depending on the location of the tumor will also be discussed. Although the CO2 laser is the most versatile and the best-suited laser for TLM applications, a variety of lasers and different parameters are used in the treatment of laryngeal cancer. Improved instrumentation has lead to an increased utilization of TLM by head and neck cancer surgeons and has resulted in improved outcomes. Laser energy levels and spot size are adjusted to vary the precision of cutting and amount of hemostasis obtained