Research Indicated Additional Benefits
Over the years, the benefits and effectiveness of the PMVs have been the focus of more than forty independent research papers and clinical case studies. Based on this research, in July of 1995 Passy-Muir was successful in obtaining several additional indications for use of the PMV from the FDA. David originally developed his valve specifically to improve communication. However, the clinical evidence that evolved through clinical use of the PMV revealed that the Positive Closure design of the PMV provided patients with the additional benefits of improved secretion management, improved olfaction, improved swallow and improved pulmonary function. The PMVs are the only speaking valves that have been research-validated and approved by the FDA to provide these benefits.

Ethics, Directives and the Passy-Muir Valve
Over the past decade there has been an evolving consciousness in the medical field of quality of life issues and the importance of informed consent. Patient autonomy, individual rights, patient directives and durable power of attorney covenants have come to the forefront of healthcare and required the formation of biomedical ethics committees in many facilities. In this environment, the PMV has emerged as a critical device in facilitating patient directed care. Significantly, the PMV has been indicated by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) as an effective means for satisfying its requirement that hospitals provide the most optimal means of communication to every patient. Read the Case Study

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