David A. Muir, Inventor
In 1985, Patricia Passy met with David Muir to discuss David's speaking valve and his desire to make it available for other tracheostomized and ventilator dependent patients. David knew first-hand the dramatic effect the PMV has on one's life after he was trached, placed on a ventilator, and unable to talk for four months. His personal experience fueled his passion and made him committed to reaching other tracheostomized and ventilator dependent patients with his valve. David desperately wanted to help others like him to avoid the frustration and isolation he had suffered. Patricia was impressed with David's valve and inspired by his contagious spirit!

Patricia learned quickly that David not only wanted to get his valve manufactured and marketed, he wanted to be a part of the process. Thus began their journey establishing the company, obtaining FDA registration, applying for patents, working with engineers to develop the manufacturing process and developing clinical studies. David and Patricia advertised in national medical journals and attended national speech pathology, pulmonology, otolaryngology and respiratory meetings. David was quite the celebrity at these meetings and was always very busy at the exhibit booth discussing the advantages of the PMV with physicians and clinicians. David loved being able to personally interact with the individuals prescribing and using his valve and David was admired and respected by the professionals and patients fortunate enough to meet him. David took valve orders over the phone and did the invoicing with his voice operated computer. He and his mother, June, also provided "clinical" information on his valve to patients, families and healthcare professionals.

Next Page>>