A new low-resistance, self-retaining prosthesis (Provox) for voice rehabilitation after total laryngectomy

Abstract

Prosthetic rehabilitation of voice after total laryngectomy has gained wide acceptance in the last 10 years. Several reliable voice prostheses have been developed and used successfully. Priorities for further development of the methods and instruments for prosthetic voice rehabilitation have led to the design of a low-resistance, self-retaining voice prosthesis (Provox) and an adapted replacement method. The results obtained in 79 patients are described. In vivo airflow resistance ranged from 1.0 to 3.8 kPa (mean = 1.9 kPa). Speech quality was good in 91% of the patients. The self-retaining properties of the prosthesis appeared to be satisfactory. The average device-life was more than 5 months. Replacement of the prosthesis with a new disposable guide wire was done quickly as an outpatient procedure. Maintenance of the prosthesis by the patient was simple. The new low-resistance, self-retaining Provox voice prosthesis and the modified replacement method appeared to further improve the results of prosthetic voice rehabilitation after total laryngectomy.