SUMMARY
The research interests of Amy L. Rutt, D.O., include all aspects of laryngology and focus specifically on voice, swallowing and airway research.
One area of particular focus within voice research is to better understand and study best treatments for vocal cord scarring and paralysis. Within breathing research, Dr. Rutt is especially interested in subglottic and tracheal narrowing (stenosis). In terms of research on swallowing, she investigates patient outcomes after surgery for Zenker's diverticulum.
Dr. Rutt works with a multidisciplinary research team and Mayo's professional voice clinic.
Focus areas
- Vocal cord paralysis. Dr. Rutt evaluates quality of life and best treatment options for patients with vocal cord paralysis — both unilateral and bilateral.
- Subglottic stenosis. Dr. Rutt has studied how subglottic stenosis can contribute to increased anxiety and depression in patients. In addition, she contributes to a research project at Mayo Clinic's campuses in Jacksonville, Florida, and Rochester, Minnesota, that is studying different surgical techniques for subglottic stenosis.
- Vocal cord scarring. Dr. Rutt is evaluating the treatment of vocal cord scarring, including injection of stromal vascular fractions and voice outcomes.
- Spasmodic dysphonia. Dr. Rutt's research is aimed at improving quality of life for patients with spasmodic dysphonia.
Significance to patient care
Dr. Rutt's goal is to translate her research into clinical practice, resulting in better voice outcomes for patients with vocal cord scarring, improved voice after vocal cord paralysis surgery and enhanced long-term breathing after airway surgery.
She is honored to be working toward these goals with a multidisciplinary research team at Mayo Clinic. Dr. Rutt's research is grounded in Mayo's core value that the needs of the patient come first.
Professional highlights
- Project award, A Pilot Study Evaluating the Safety and Efficacy of Autologous Stromal Vascular Fractions in Subjects With Vocal Fold Scar, Center for Regenerative Biotherapeutics (formerly the Center for Regenerative Medicine), Mayo Clinic, 2020-present