Eureka project 'totally implantable artificial larynx'; Progress report

The consequences of a laryngectomy and additional rehabilitation using a shunt valve and tracheostoma valve are still distressing. The European project 'Artificial larynx' aims at realization of ail implantable artificial larynx to eliminate the main drawbacks of the present rehabilitation. The artificial larynx will be made of biofilm-resistant material and consist of: artificial vocal folds with adjustable fundamental frequency and with variable frequency during speech to avoid monotony; an artificial epiglottis controlled by remnants of muscles or by pressure; a valve mechanism to switch between breathing and speaking; a tissue connector to connect the artificial larynx to the trachea. The valve mechanism has been developed and is now tested as tracheostoma valve. All other parts as well as surface modifications are in development.