Artificial Larynx Successfully Implanted in Patient

ProTip (Strasbourg, France) announced that its artificial larynx has been successfully implanted in a human a patient. Bolstered by this achievement, a clinical trial of the device is now underway in Europe.

ProTip worked with Strasbourg University Hospitals to implant the artificial larynx in a 65-year-old-male, who received the implant after receiving treatment for laryngeal cancer. The process, started in June of last year, involved the removal of the man's larynx and the implantation of a specialized titanium tracheal ring. This ring, over time, would become incorporated into the tissue that surrounded the larynx. Several months after this, physicians installed a valve-based, removable device into the tracheal ring through the man's mouth.

For now, more research is required on the safety and efficacy of the artificial larynx and to refine the implantation process.

"Laryngectomy is a procedure which has not changed in 140 years," stated Maurice Beranger, CEO of ProTip. "This surgical first paves the way for a procedure which gives new hope to laryngeal cancer patients. Ultimately it will help patients regain their ability to breathe, speak and eat normally."