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 […]
De samenwerking tussen IXA en FEB bij realiseren van Research Centre for Longevity Risk
These are exciting times for Dave Koolbergen, congenital cardiac surgeon at AMC. With his company Haermonics he hopes to bring a new technology to market for postoperative pericardial flushing. It was developed upon his observation that after heart surgery often the removal of accumulated blood and clots can be achieved by flushing the pericardial space […]