David passed away in August of 1990 and he is missed daily. Those of us who were fortunate enough to have known David can remember his powerful presence, gracious smile and lively humor. David's spirit, intelligence, innovation, determination and commitment are a part of every PMV product produced. We are always conscious of David's mission in everything we do at Passy-Muir. He is the reason we have the opportunity to give the gift of speech to patients and it is David's vision of making his valve available to every patient with the potential to speak that drives our commitment and inspires our work. We are continually impressed by the patients' and clinicians' knowledge of David's contribution and their loyalty to his mission and his valves. Read David's Story

The Medical Environment
When the company was started in 1985, there was virtually no education offered on communication options for tracheostomized and ventilator dependent patients. Effective options for speech did not exist and finger occlusion was the standard of care for tracheostomized patients. If patients did not have use of their hands or if they were ventilator dependent, it was accepted medical practice that such patients simply did not speak. Pediatric tracheostomy patients were taught sign language as their most viable means of communication. At this point in time, some of the effects of a tracheostomy on the anatomy and physiology of a patient had not even been identified. Disrupted swallowing function, olfaction, appetite, weight loss and excess secretions are serious complications of a tracheostomy that had been overlooked or inadequately addressed by the medical community for years.

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