Provox® ActiValve
Clinical application
The Provox® ActiValve prosthesis is the only one to have a magnetic flap valve that is available in three different magnet strengths (light, strong, extra strong). The magnetic closure prevents the valve from being opened accidentally by underpressure (e.g. when inhaling deeply) in the esophagus. It is also stable against biofilm formation and material fatigue, and usually remains functional and in place for significant periods of time. Due to its high price the Provox® ActiValve prosthesis is usually only used for patients with extremely short retention periods due to underpressure related valve opening and/or biofilm formation. Very occasionally, the valves especially of the magnetic strengths “strong” and “extra strong” may stick, rendering the patient suddenly incapable of speech. A special oil is applied to the valve to prevent this. Please note that ordinary cooking/edible oil will destroy the prosthesis.
Type of prosthesis: | Indwelling prosthesis |
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Outer diameter of shaft: | 7.5 mm (22.5 Fr) |
Shaft lengths: | 4.5 mm, 6 mm, 8 mm, 10 mm, 12.5 mm |
Material: | silicone (prosthesis body and valve hinge), fluoroplastic (valve flap and bearing) |
Valve type: | magnetic flap valve |
Method of insertion: | anterograde, retrograde if necessary |
Indication: | special prosthesis |
Biofilm resistance: | yes |
Underpressure stability: | yes |
Non-fatiguing valve mechanism: | yes |
Prevalence: | worldwide |
Literature
1. Hilgers F.J.M., Ackerstaff A.H., Balm A.J.M., Van den Brekel M.W.M, Tan I.B., Persson J.-O., An new problem-solving indwelling voice prosthesis eliminating the need for frequent Candida- and „underpressure“-related replacements: the Provox ActiValve, Acta Otolaryngol 2003 Oct;123(8):972-9.
2. Soolsma J, van den Brekel MW, Ackerstaff AH, Balm AJ, Tan B, Hilgers FJ. Long-term results of Provox ActiValve, solving the problem of frequent candida- and "underpressure"-related voice prosthesis replacements. Laryngoscope. 2008 Feb;118(2):252-7

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