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 Passy-Muir Valve has on one's life after he was trached, placed on a ventilator, and unable to talk for four months. his valve manufactured and marketed, he wanted to be a part of the process. Thus began their journey establishing the company, obtaining FDA clearance, 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 Passy-Muir Valves with physicians and clinicians.
