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The acceptance and voice quality of a new voice prosthesis 'Vega High performance' - a feasibility study
Anne N Heirman1, Roosmarijn Sophie Tellman1, Lisette van der Molen1
1Department of Head-and-Neck Oncology and Surgery, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Background:
The Provox Vega High Performance (PVHP) is a newly developed voice prosthesis (VP) with an aim to achieve a longer and more predictable lifetime.
Objectives:
This feasibility study aims to assess patient acceptance of the PVHP VP, evaluate adverse events, voice quality, and device lifetime.
Methods:
Laryngectomized patients previously using a Provox Vega or ActiValve Light were included. Acceptance and voice outcomes were evaluated at two-time points with a 2-week interval. Baseline measurements were taken with the standard VP, followed by placement of the PVHP for the 2-week assessment.
Results:
Fifteen participants completed the study, with thirteen being initial Vega-users. PVHP acceptance was 87% 2 weeks after placement. Median device lifetime for all VPs was 64 d (range 14-370). In the subgroup without periprosthetic leakage, the median device lifetime was 101 d (range 31-370). Acceptance dropped to 40% after device failure. Voice quality did not differ between PVHP and baseline VP. The most reported adverse event was PVHP valve stickiness (46%).
Conclusion And Significance:
Acceptance of the PVHP is largely dependent on device lifetime, decreasing from 87% to 40% after leakage or replacement. Voice quality remains consistent across different VPs. Developing a long-lasting VP remains a challenge.
