InHealth, Freudenberg Medical partner for ‘SpeakFree' valve

CARPINTERIA, Calif.—InHealth Technologies, a segment of Freudenberg Medical L.L.C., has released a new valve for use in laryngectomy care.

The valve, comprising thermoplastic elastomers and thermoplastics, is known as the "Blom-Singer SpeakFree HME Valve" and helps deliver "hands-free" speech for those with a tracheoesophageal puncture and voice prosthesis.

"This product is a game changer and demonstrates InHealth's commitment to ongoing innovation and laryngectomy care," said Bethany Anke, vice president and general manager of InHealth Technologies. "As a licensed speech pathologist, I witnessed firsthand the market need for a more accessible single-use disposable device at an affordable price point.

"We're thrilled with the glowing feedback we have received from customers in product trials."

The product was created for those who have undergone a total laryngectomy, a surgical procedure where the voice box is removed. With the SpeakFree valve, people who have had this procedure can speak without manual closure of the valve.

The valve employs a disposable HME (heat and moisture exchange) cartridge and is adjustable according to a person's level of activity.

"Hands-free speech greatly enhances quality of life for laryngectomy customers worldwide, who now have the opportunity to speak without manual activation of a speaking device," InHealth said in an Oct. 21 release. "InHealth's latest product innovation allows post laryngectomy patients to speak while both hands are engaged."

According to InHealth, the company worked with Freudenberg Medical on each stage of the design process, which employed computer simulation, finite element analysis and 3D printing for various iterations during the design.

"The SpeakFree HME is a radical innovation for patients and a groundbreaking technical achievement," said Freudenberg Medical CEO Max Kley. "By combining InHealth's world-class product development expertise with the advanced processing capabilities of Freudenberg Medical, we aim to set a new standard for accelerating medical device innovation in the laryngectomy field."