Science versus design; comparable, contrastive or conducive?

Science and design are two completely separated areas of expertise with their own specialists. Science analyses the existing world to create new knowledge, design uses existing knowledge to create a new world. This tunnel-vision mentality and narrow-minded approach is dangerous for problem solving, where a broad view on potential solutions is required to realise a high-quality answer on the defined problem.

In vitro evaluation of the iValve: a novel hands-free speech valve.

Objectives: We performed in vitro evaluation of a novel, disposable, automatic hands-free tracheostoma speech valve for laryngectomy patients based upon the principle of inhalation. The commercially available automatic speech valves close upon strong exhalation and open again when the pressure drops. This method makes long sentences or pauses difficult.

Worldwide, multicenter study of peristomal geometry and morphology in laryngectomees and its clinical effects.

Background: The purpose of this study was to improve attachment of automatic tracheostoma valves, the knowledge on tracheostoma geometry, and its clinical influences preferred. This article investigates whether the number of removed trachea rings, incision of the sternocleidomastoid muscles, neck dissection, reconstruction, time after operation, and age have any effect on the (peri)stomal geometry of the patient.

Methods: (Peri)stomas of 191 patients from 10 institutes worldwide were photographed, measured, and compared.

Mechanical strength and stiffness of the biodegradable SonicWeld Rx osteofixation system.

Purpose: To determine the mechanical strength and stiffness of the new 2.1 mm biodegradable ultrasound-activated SonicWeld Rx (Gebrüder Martin GmbH & Co, Tuttlingen, Germany) osteofixation system in comparison with the conventional 2.1 mm biodegradable Resorb X (Gebrüder Martin GmbH & Co) osteofixation system.

Clinical evaluation of a membrane-based voice-producing element for laryngectomized women.

Background: A newly developed artificial voice source was clinically evaluated in laryngectomized women for voice quality improvements. The prosthesis was placed in a commercially available, tracheoesophageal shunt valve.

Methods: In 17 subjects, voice-producing element (VPE) prototypes were compared with the subject's regular tracheo-esophageal shunt voice in a randomized cross-over trial.

Mechanical strength and stiffness of biodegradable and titanium osteofixation systems.

Purpose: To present relevant mechanical data to simplify the selection of an osteofixation system for situations requiring immobilization in oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Materials And Methods: Seven biodegradable and 2 titanium osteofixation systems were investigated. The plates and screws were fixed to 2 polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) blocks to simulate bone segments.

Torsion strength of biodegradable and titanium screws: a comparison.

Purpose: To determine 1) the differences in maximum torque between 7 biodegradable and 2 titanium screw systems, and 2) the differences of maximum torque between "hand tight" and break of the biodegradable and the titanium osteofixation screw systems.

Materials And Methods: Four oral and maxillofacial surgeons inserted 8 specimens of all 9 screw systems in polymethylmethacrylate plates. The surgeons were instructed to insert the screws as they would do in the clinic (hand tight).

The Saanen goat as an animal model for post-laryngectomy research: practical implications.

A modern way of voice rehabilitation after total laryngectomy includes the use of shunt valves and tracheostoma valves. Problems of fixation to the surrounding tissue are a major drawback in the use of the shunt valve, heat and moisture exchange (HME) filters and, especially, the tracheostoma valve. To solve these problems different tissue connectors were developed.

In vivo experiments with tracheostoma tissue connector prototypes.

In cancer patients who have undergone total surgical removal of the larynx, ideally voice rehabilitation should be performed using a shunt valve (placed in a fistula of the tracheo-esophageal wall) and a tracheostoma valve (TSV) to enable hands-free tracheo-esophageal speech. A tracheostoma is created by suturing the trachea into the lower anterior part of the neck, and a TSV is a device that can be placed at the stoma. Unfortunately, many patients are unable to use a TSV, mainly due to fixation difficulties.

In vitro evaluation of a double-membrane-based voice-producing element for laryngectomized patients.

Background: A sound generator based on a double-membrane design that fits into a regular tracheoesophageal shunt valve may improve voice quality after total laryngectomy in patients rehabilitated with surgical voice prostheses.

Methods: Voice-producing element (VPE) prototypes were manufactured using medical grade biocompatible materials and tested in vitro under physiological conditions.

Results: Basic sound, containing multiple harmonics, was successfully produced under physiologic air pressure and airflow conditions.

Experimental results of the tracheoesophageal tissue connector for improved fixation of shunt valves in laryngectomized patients.

Background: After total laryngectomy and voice rehabilitation using a tracheoesophageal shunt valve, patients often have valve-related complications such as leakage. To solve these problems, a tracheoesophageal tissue connector (TE-TC) was devised to serve as an interface between the patient's tissue (trachea and esophagus) and the shunt valve.

Methods: The TE-TC is a permucosal connection constructed from a titanium ring (filled with a silicon rubber plug) combined with polypropylene or titanium mesh.

Biomechanical and surface physico-chemical analyses of used osteosynthesis plates and screws--potential for reuse in developing countries?

Reprocessing of single-use devices is an upcoming issue in the Western world, but has been for many years in developing countries. In developing countries, the number of bone fractures due to traffic or industrial accidents is high. Patients often need an osteosynthesis with plates and screws, but most patients, however, cannot afford this because of the costs involved and have to rely on the application of used plates and screws.