BIOCOMPATIBLE CERAMIC BRINGS CLINICAL BENEFITS

摘要

Morgan Technical Ceramics (MTC) is working with University of Hull spin out company, Avoco Medical, on a pioneering speech-restoration project for patients with throat cancer. The company is taking to market a new speech valve comprising zirconia ceramic components that extend valve life and thus remove the need for frequent valve changes. This clearly improves quality of life for patients and reduces costs for healthcare providers. Up to fifteen per cent of patients diagnosed with throat cancer every year require a laryngectomy (removal of the larynx) which results in speech loss. Some speech and vocal function can be restored through the use of valves which reconnect the trachea (wind pipe) and oesophagus (food pipe). Current valve designs consist of a tube (stent) and incorporate a flap which opens as air is forced through.