Zirconia Ceramic Component Restores Voice to Cancer Patients

Up to 15% of patients diagnosed with throat cancer every year require a laryngectomy, which results in speech loss. Some speech and vocal function can be restored by means of valves that reconnect the trachea and esophagus. Current valve designs consist of a tube and incorporate a flap that opens as air is forced through. However, this valve, which is traditionally made from silicone rubber, can experience biofilm formation when it is exposed to a hostile and nonsterile environment, compromising its performance. As a result, it typically must be replaced every three months.

In the quest for an alternative, Morgan Technical Ceramics (Fairfield, NJ) is working with University of Hull spin-out company Avoco Medical Ltd. (Hull, UK) on a speech-restoration project incorporating a speech valve that uses zirconia ceramic components. This technology, the companies say, will increase valve lifetime.

Featuring a hard, impervious surface that makes it more resistant to hostile environments than rubber, ceramic offers stability and biocompatibility. Laboratory tests have shown that ceramic valves should last more than two years--at least eight times longer than silicone ones, according to the companies.

"We started this project with Avoco Medical two years ago and are pleased that our Zyranox zirconia ceramic has proven to be highly resistant to biofilm during extensive laboratory testing," remarks Yannick Galais of Morgan Technical Ceramics. "This longer lifetime of the valve generates less trauma for the patient, as the device does not have to be changed so often, and it also delivers cost saving for all medical parties."

"We approached Morgan Technical Ceramics for their ceramics expertise and manufacturing excellence," says Michael Fagan, technical director of Avoco Medical. "The Kingston speech valve includes three ceramic components, which need to be precision manufactured so they work together properly. The company has the ability to manufacture the parts to tight tolerances and complex geometries, which is essential to providing high-quality and reliable valves."