Patient has been living with an artificial larynx for 18 months

With his artificial larynx, he can breathe through his mouth and nose and has even regained his voice. This 56-year-old man is the first patient to have an artificial larynx for 18 months, reveals Inserm. The concept of an artificial larynx is not in itself new. It was developed in 2013 by researchers from Inserm and doctors from the University Hospitals of Strasbourg. But the model experienced by this fifty-year-old who had his larynx removed after severe cancer, is a more modern version: the implant and the surgical technique have been optimized since the first settlements, highlighted Inserm.

Why this optimized prosthesis? Christian Debry, researcher at Inserm Unit 1121 “Biomaterials and Bioengineering”, who has worked for more than 20 years in the service of this artificial larynx has observed repeated rejections: the 6 patients who had benefited from the first model of the larynx since 2012 n ‘were able to keep it “because of their fragile state of health”.

A better quality of life thanks to this artificial larynx

The solution devised by the researchers is based on improving the surface treatments of implants by developing an antimicrobial film to prevent its rejection. Christian Debry, who is also head of the ENT and head and neck surgery department at Strasbourg Hautepierre University Hospital, is pleased to see the encouraging results on the 56-year-old patient. “Today, he has regained his voice and his olfaction, suppressed by the operation. He is able to completely dispense with the use of the tracheostomy opening for long periods of time both day and night”, explains- he in a statement.

Being able to breathe and speak, two complicated activities for patients who have had their larynx removed. This is therefore a real breakthrough, assures the specialist who sees considerable “development prospects” for this prosthesis. “This is the first time that such a concept has been proven. There are still swallowing disorders, but we have taken a first step representing a real gain in terms of comfort and quality of life for these patients. The ambition is to eventually give them back the ability to eat normally and that they regain their sociality during meal times. “

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