Description
Designed for individuals who have undergone a total laryngectomy, this voice prosthesis features a large esophageal flange to enhance speech restoration. The device is inserted into a tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP) and is crafted from medical-grade silicone, ensuring durability and biocompatibility.
Key Features
-
Enhanced Sealing: The large esophageal flange provides a secure seal against the esophageal wall, effectively managing leakage around the prosthesis. This is particularly beneficial for patients with enlarged or irregular puncture tracts.
-
One-Way Valve: Equipped with a one-way valve, the prosthesis allows air to pass from the lungs into the esophagus for speech production while preventing food, liquids, or saliva from entering the trachea.
-
Multiple Models: Available in indwelling and non-indwelling options, with various sizes and lengths to accommodate different anatomical needs. Outer diameters include 16 Fr (5.9 mm) and 20 Fr (6.6 mm), with shaft lengths ranging from 4 mm to 22 mm.
-
Low-Resistance Flap Valve: Designed to minimize speaking effort and improve voice quality.
Additional Features
-
Double Flange Option: Some models include both large esophageal and tracheal flanges for enhanced sealing in complex cases.
-
Accessories: May come with cleaning brushes, flushing devices, and plug inserts for effective maintenance and temporary leakage management.
-
Anti-Fungal Additive: Certain models incorporate silver oxide in the valve to reduce fungal colonization.
Maintenance and Care
Regular cleaning is essential to prevent biofilm and candida growth, which can affect device performance. The lifespan of the device varies from a few weeks to two years, depending on individual care and patient factors.
Use Cases
Ideal for post-laryngectomy patients requiring reliable tracheoesophageal voice restoration, especially those experiencing periprosthetic leakage due to anatomical challenges. The prosthesis works effectively with heat and moisture exchangers (HME) for improved speech quality and pulmonary rehabilitation.
Material
Constructed from medical-grade silicone, with some models featuring anti-fungal additives like silver oxide, the device is tailored to meet diverse patient needs through various styles and configurations. Achieving optimal results depends on selecting the appropriate prosthesis length and ensuring a snug flange-to-flange fit.
