VOICE PROSTHESIS, INSERTION TOOL AND METHOD

• Main Author: PERSSON JAN-OVE
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 12.02.2009
• Subjects: BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF,TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, E.G. STENTS; FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; FIRST-AID KITS; FOMENTATION; HUMAN NECESSITIES; HYGIENE; MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; PROSTHESES; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS

A tracheostoma voice prosthesis member (1) intended for insertion into a fistula between oesophagus and trachea. The member comprises a tubular body portion (2) with a proximal end opening into the trachea and a distal end opening into the oesophagus. A one-way flap valve covers a through opening of the tubular body portion (2) for allowing air to pass through the tubular body portion (2) from the proximal end to the distal end but preventing air and other matter from passing in the reverse direction. A support ring (8) supports the one-way valve and/or stiffens the tubular body portion (2) adjacent the one-way valve. The ratio between the smallest inner diameter of the through opening and the largest outer diameter of the tubular body portion (2) is larger than 58%. A safety strap (6) extends from the proximal end and is attached to the skin outside the tracheostoma by a plaster. The cross-section of the safety strap is convex so that substantially no space is formed along the side edges of the safety strap (6) between the skin, plaster and the edges of the safety strap. A safety medallion (11) may be attached to the member by a cord (10). The medallion (11) is sufficiently large for being unable to pass down into the trachea and the lungs of the user, if accidentically dropped. A device and a method for applying said tracheostoma voice prosthesis member (1) are also provided.