The VOIS Implant will be featured at the Phonosurgery, Neurolaryngology and Swallowing Disorders Workshop, Fresh Frozen Cadaveric Dissection Course - being held from 28-29 December - in Taipei. Here we speak to Prof. Guan-Min Ho (known professionally as Floyd), CEO and Co-Founder of APrevent Medical Inc. to find out more about the event, the VOIS implant and DP Medical’s involvement.
Great to meet you Floyd, please tell us a little about yourself.
I graduated from the Medical University of Vienna and received my full training in Otorhinolaryngology at Mackay Memorial Hospital in Taipei, Taiwan, where I also worked as an attending physician. Since the end of 2013, beside my clinical work, I have devoted myself to developing VOIS - an adjustable laryngeal implant for the treatment of glottic insufficiency.
What is the main purpose of the upcoming event in Taiwan?
The purpose of the event is to share and spread new techniques and technologies in the field of laryngology. Our key speakers include opinion leaders from across the UK and Taiwan and we are expecting attendees from the Asia Pacific regions such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan.
What can guests expect from the event?
There is a host of different elements and workshops to the event, including the session led by myself regarding the VOIS implant. Overall attendees will be learning all about the different and advanced surgical techniques from international experts.
Tell us more about the VOIS implant
The VOIS-Implant is the first laryngeal implant in the world, which can be adjusted in its dimensions both intra and post-operatively, adapting to changing vocal conditions and replacing the need for revisions. Unlike existing concepts, which facilitate vocal cord medialisation mainly through spacer-effects, it imitates the normal physiology of phonation mainly by repositioning the arytenoid cartilage, thus providing patients with optimal glottal closure and voice quality. Furthermore, the implantation procedure is totally standardised to lower the learning curve for surgeons and enables easier reproduction of results.
How have DP Medical been involved?
DP Medical is a very reliable partner with profound expertise in sales of laryngological medical devices. As a company with very good reputation and high credibility, we were able to spread the VOIS-Implant in the UK which has benefitted many patients. We work very closely as a team and complement one another.