In vitro comparison of the Groningen high resistance, Groningen low resistance and Provox speaking valves

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Abstract
This paper compares the physical parameters of the newer Groningen low resistance and Provox indwelling laryngectomy prostheses with the established and original Groningen device.In vitro pressure/flow profiles were determined, using specially designed apparatus, in 44 standard Groningen high resistance (GHR), 37 Groningen low resistance (GLR) and 19 Provox tracheo-oesophageal prostheses prior to insertion. GHR valves had significantly higher forward opening pressures than both the newer valves and the GHR was significantly higher than the Provox (pp<0.0001: Mann-Whitney U-test). This may be of relevance with respect to patient acceptability, voice quality and effective duration of valve action.