Device Life of Two Generations of Provox Voice Prostheses. (June 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Thylur, David S.; Villegas, Brenda Capobres; Fisher, Laurel M.; Sinha, Uttam K.; Kokot, Niels
• Is Part Of: Annals of otology, rhinology & laryngology. Volume 125:Number 6(2016:Jun.)
• Page Start: 501
• Page End: 507
• Publication Date: 2016-06
• Subjects: tracheoesophageal voice prosthesis -- alaryngeal speech -- device life -- laryngectomy -- Provox 2 -- Provox Vega; Otolaryngology -- Periodicals; 617.51
• DOI: 10.1177/0003489415624701
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-4894

Abstract

Background: Tracheoesophageal voice prostheses are invaluable for speech rehabilitation in patients who have received total laryngectomy, but device failure impedes communication and creates psychosocial and financial burdens. This study compares the Provox 2 and Provox Vega voice prostheses on the parameter of device life. Methods: This was a retrospective observational study of 21 patients with 181 device replacements at an academic tertiary care medical center. Disparity in device life and factors that may influence device life were analyzed. Results: The mean device life for Provox 2, at 115.6 days (SE = 5.8), was longer than for Provox Vega, at 65.1 days (SE = 7.5) ( P < .001). Conclusions: Device longevity was greater for Provox 2 over Provox Vega. These results will facilitate the design of prospective studies to assess reasons for variations in device life between patients and device types.