Voice Rehabilitation by Voice Prostheses After Total Laryngectomy: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis for 11,918 Patients

Purpose Our aim was to assess the different voice prostheses (VPs) to identify the most efficient, safest, patient-tailored, longest lifetime, and inexpensive VPs and assess the different factors affecting their quality. Method In September 2017, 15 databases were searched to include all randomized controlled trials. A new search was done in May 2019 to include all other study design articles, which include all the new-era VPs subtypes. Network meta-analysis (NMA) was applied to all 27 outcomes, besides NMA overall and partial order setting was done by using Hasse scatter plots. p values were used in NMA, where the best VPs are approaching one and the least approaches zero. Meta-analysis was done for the rest of the outcomes. Results Two hundred one articles were eligible for inclusion in our study ( N = 11,918). Provox-2 was significantly the most efficient and safest device concerning the most patient preference (odds ratio [ OR ] = 33.88 [0.65, 1762.24]; p = .92), the least dislodgement (risk ratio [RR] = 0.27 [0.13, 0.57]; p = .79), the least airflow resistance (RR = 0.42 [0.08, 2.11]; p = .84), the least granulation formation (RR = 0.73 [0.02, 26.32]; p = .60), and the least VPs' inaccurate size (RR = 0.77 (0.23, 2.61); p = .66). Heat and moisture exchanger addition showed a significant increase in maximum phonation time and breathing experience, with p values (1 and .59), respectively. While heat and moisture exchanger addition showed a significant decline in stoma cleaning frequency, coughing frequency, forced expectoration, sputum production, sleeping problems, and loosening of adhesive, with p values (.99, .72, .69, .96, 1, and 0.96), respectively, Groningen low resistance and Nijdam were considered the worst devices with both overall mean p value of .44. Conclusions Provox-2 is considered the best choice as being the most preferable for patients, with the least airflow resistance, dislodgment, granulation formation, and prosthesis inaccurate size. Groningen low resistance and Nijdam were considered the worst devices according to our analysis. Supplemental Material https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.14802903

Humidification and the HME filter

The process of intubation and ventilation bypasses both the physiological humidification system and protective filtering processes. Various devices have been developed to aid in providing humidification of medical gasses and to serve as filters to reduce transmission of microbes. The following types of devices are available: * Heat and moisture exchanger without filter (HME) * Electrostatic filter with or without HME * Pleated filter with or without HME

Heat and moisture exchanger used in a cardiothoracic surgery intensive care unit: Airway resistance and changing interval

Background: This study aims to investigate the efficacy and safety of heat and moisture exchanger on airway resistance in a cardiothoracic surgery intensive care unit. Methods: A total of 31 patients (18 males, 13 females; mean age 51.5 years; range, 39 to 61 years) who were treated with long-term mechanical ventilation due to low cardiac output syndrome after cardiopulmonary bypass and cardiac surgery were retrospectively analyzed between December 2014 and December 2018. In addition, an in vitro lung model and different doses of hydroxyethyl starch in the heat and moisture exchangers to mimic the airway secretions were used and the proper interval to change heat and moisture exchangers was evaluated. Results: In the in vitro lung model, the mean airway resistance was 19.4±0.2 cmH2O/L/sec in the 5 mL group (p=0.060), 20.3±1.0 cmH2O/L/sec in the 10 mL group (p=0.065), and 30.2±1.7 cmH2O/L/sec in the 15 mL group (p<0.001). The airway resistance of heat and moisture exchangers, and total hospital stay and ventilation duration significantly increased in the seven-day group compared to the one-day and three-day groups. The positive culture of bacteria was also significantly higher in the seven-day group. Conclusion: Our study results suggest that heat and moisture exchangers can be safely used for an efficient and timely removal of airway secretions. Volume of approximately 15 mL of liquid in the airflow can dramatically increase the airway resistance. The three-day interval of changing heat and moisture exchangers is ideal in a cardiothoracic surgery intensive care unit where patients have more airway secretions than patients in the general intensive care unit.