The idea had been lingering for years. When Armand Girbes decided to finally pursue it, he almost instantly got a publication in the New England Journal of Medicine. The electrolarynx, which is known for its use after laryngectomy, produces vibrations that allow the intubated user to speak. As professor of intensive care medicine, Girbes understands the increasing relevance of this: “Where in earlier days we would sedate most IC patients, we now prefer to keep them awake. For intubated patients this often leads to stress since they cannot speak and thus have limited capabilities to express themselves.”
Over the last few years Girbes and coworkers have performed more research showing that the electrolarynx really improves this. He now wants to make the voice generator part of the standard equipment surrounding an IC-unit. This does however require some adjustments, in particular making it more user-friendly for IC-nurses. IXA teamed him up with the Dutch medical technology firm Relitech and now a prototype is being developed and the market explored. Girbes appreciates these efforts: “Not only do I lack experience in this field, I simply do not have the time needed to make this innovation a success. It’s good to have experienced people assisting me here.”
Apply existing eye-tracking technology for the development of a state-of-the art digital instrument for orthoptic strabismus measurements. This clever idea by physicist Bob van Dijk is now nearly a reality with Laméris Ootech, a Dutch supplier of orthoptic practice equipment. In his office at VUmc Van Dijk proudly demonstrates his almost perfectly functioning prototype. “A […]
AMC clinical physiologist Peter Sterk’s idea to explore the use of e-nose technology for diagnosis of lung disease has really payed off. His brand-new ‘SpiroNose’ breath analyser will shortly become available for hospitals and general practices. Sterk is confident about the clinical validation studies that are now underway: “The SpiroNose will be a formidable addition […]
About three years ago orthopaedic surgeon Olivier Temmerman approached the Physics and Medical Technology (FMT) department of VUmc. He had an idea to improve the surgical chisel for removing old cementing layers during hip prosthesis revisions. It was ‘a real pearl’ according to Micha Paalman, head of the development group at FMT. “Olivier had worked […]