First results of the VoiceMaster prosthesis in three centres in the Netherlands.

Abstract

The VoiceMaster indwelling voice prosthesis was designed and developed for use in laryngectomized patients. The VoiceMaster pre-production model (0-series), tested during 1997 and 1998, proved to be a safe and valid concept. After the refining of a few technical details the currently available VoiceMaster device was introduced in June 1998. The preliminary results obtained with the device were encouraging and led to a multicentre study. The average device life span varies between the participating clinics, ranging up to 4.8 months. As there still are devices in situ, the average life span is still increasing. Factors such as stoma size and fistula position influence the insertion of the device and should be considered before VoiceMaster insertion. The general experience with the VoiceMaster prosthesis has proven it to be a worthwhile new device in prosthetic voice rehabilitation in laryngectomized patients.