The ultra-low resistance Groningen voice prosthesis: clinical experiences.

The performance of the ULR Groningen prosthesis was assessed in 21 laryngectomees. The intratracheal phonatory pressures (PITP), voice parameters (speech rate, maximal phonation time, maximal vocal intensity, dynamic vocal intensity range), device lifetime and patient's subjective acceptances were recorded and compared to identical parameters for other prostheses reported in the literature and to data obtained from an age-matched group of normal laryngeal speakers. The low airflow resistance of the ULR Groningen voice prosthesis objectively (PITP = 2.7 kPa) and subjectively leads to a low effort to phonate. Compared to "normals" maximal phonation time shows no significant difference, but speech rate, maximal vocal intensity and dynamic vocal intensity range show a significant worse outcome. The mean device lifetime of the ULR Groningen prosthesis is more than 13.6 weeks, which is comparable to other indwelling voice prostheses. In conclusion, the ULR Groningen voice prothesis enables easier tracheoesophageal phonation than the low-resistance Groningen type.

The ultra-low resistance Groningen voice prosthesis: aerodynamic properties.

Post-laryngectomy voice rehabilitation using the low resistance (LR) Groningen voice prosthesis has over the past years provided good voice and speech results. The valve part of the prosthesis is largely responsible for the airflow resistance of the prosthesis. This study was performed to evaluate if by modifying the valve part of the LR Groningen prosthesis a lower airflow resistance in vitro could be achieved. Several prototypes with modified valves were tested. Based on the aerodynamic measurements the prosthesis with a single slit of 200 degrees in the 'hat' of the esophageal flange was selected for further evaluation and named the ultra-low resistance (ULR) Groningen voice prosthesis. Aerodynamic measurements were performed and showed the airflow resistance of the ULR Groningen voice prosthesis to be significantly lower than the resistance of the LR Groningen and the Provox voice prostheses.