Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Monitoring During Pediatric Aerodigestive Tract and Cardiac Surgery

This research studies whether a device used during surgery can help doctors better protect the nerve that moves a child's vocal cords. Damage to this nerve can affect speaking, swallowing, and sometimes breathing. Children having certain throat, chest, or heart surgeries may be asked to take part. During surgery, some children will have standard care and others will have standard care plus the nerve-monitoring device. After surgery, the team will check vocal cord movement and ask about voice and swallowing. The purpose is to see whether the device can lower the chance of nerve injury and improve care for children in the future.

Inclusion Criteria: * under 18 years of age * treated at the Stollery Children's Hospital * will undergo specified aerodigestive or cardiac surgeries that put the recurrent laryngeal nerve at risk Exclusion Criteria: * patients treated at another center * over 18 years of age at the time of surgery * severe neurological or genetic comorbidities that affect nerve function