The main feature of the device for laryngectomy patients is that it allows people to communicate without having to use their hands to activate the microphone that allows them to speak.

The prototype was worked on by two students of Mechanical Civil Engineering from the University of La Serena, together with the ULS 3D+ Laboratory and the Therapeutic Diagnostic Center (CDT).

According to the 2022 Cancer Surveillance Report, carried out by the Ministry of Health, during the period 2011 – 2021, a total of 737 people suffering from laryngeal cancer were registered nationwide. Within this document, it is specified that a large part of them are men.

Laryngectomy is a surgery performed mainly on people who suffer from this type of cancer and which consists of removing the affected area, either partially or completely, resulting in the loss of the patient's voice, among other results.

Although there are various technological implements so that people can recover speech, many of them depend on the use of their hands, generating a significant emotional impact to face communication in a fluid and natural way.

For this reason, two students of Mechanical Civil Engineering at the University of La Serena, Scarlett Santana and Richard Narria, through their degree report, developed a hands-free laryngophone. This seeks to contribute to a better quality of life and greatly support the communication of people who have this treatment.

The idea of ​​this prototype was born through the collaboration of the ULS 3D+ Laboratory and the La Serena Therapeutic Diagnostic Center (CDT), who have had a unique synergy between academia and technological development, with results that promise to innovate in postoperative solutions. of this intervention.

Raquel López, Director of the ULS 3D+ Laboratory and guide of this title report, says that, unlike the normally known electronic larynxes, where the patient has to use their hands to bring this device up to their neck and thus generate the vibrations to be able to speak, “with this new collar-type prototype, which is attached to the neck, the person can let the larynx vibrate and, through a small speaker, speak and use their hands to express themselves. That is, the device is located in the neck area and when you turn it on it begins to work."

In Chile, obtaining a digital or electronic laryngophone costs between $390.000 and $1.390.000, values ​​that normally make it difficult for patients to obtain these devices.

To prepare this project, the students met and worked with Pedro Pastén, an older adult who constantly attends therapies at the Therapeutic Diagnostic Center (CDT) of the La Serena Hospital and who underwent a total laryngectomy. Regarding this new device, the patient highlighted the work carried out by each of those involved in this idea and that it will make his life much easier: “It was really very fascinating because it greatly simplifies communication with others. In terms of comfort, it is noticeable that we can now use our hands for other purposes, unlike the electronic larynx that restricts us.”

Life changing ideas

Joaquín Plaza, speech therapist at CDT La Serena, worked hand in hand with this duo of students and with the academic Raquel López, director of the ULS 3D+ Laboratory. Regarding the use of electronics, he mentions that although it has been very useful during these years, it has some details that were improved with the hands-free device created by Scarlett and Richard.

“With other devices, the user must always use one of their hands, thus preventing activities with both hands while communicating. The hands-free electronic larynx would end this problem by favoring user functionality. This would considerably reduce anxiety levels and depressive symptoms, for example. The implementation of this type of technology is within a therapeutic process that begins from the diagnosis, where the patient is educated and informed about the communication alternatives after the total laryngectomy," said the specialist.

The use of new technologies has come to improve the lives of many people, especially those who have a medical difficulty that prevents them from carrying out their normal activities. The ULS 3D+ Laboratory of the Faculty of Engineering during these years has stood out for generating ideas that contribute to the solution of these problems through engineering and its different branches. Faced with this, the Director of the Laboratory stressed that “our commitment to innovation and the practical application of engineering drives us to continue exploring new frontiers in the development of technologies that really make a difference in people's lives. This project not only focuses on functionality, but also on the aesthetics and comfort of prostheses, recognizing the importance of self-esteem and social integration.”