US 2014/0190479 A1 · SPEAKING VALVE WITH SATURATION INDICATION

Abstract

A speaking valve includes a hollow body configured to be secured to a connector of a tracheostomy system disposed in a patient. The speaking valve further includes a cap that houses a valve member, which enables the speaking valve to act as a one-way check valve. The valve member, hollow body, or other components of the valve may include a material that undergoes a chemical changed when exposed to moisture, i.e., a hydrosensitive material. Particularly, the hydrosensitive material may exhibit a color change when exposed to moisture. As such, the hydrosensitive material may be useful in providing a visual indication of the saturation and/or moisture level of the speaking valve.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A tracheostomy speaking valve, comprising:

a hollow body configured to be mounted to a tracheostomy tube connector;
a cap fitted over an end of the hollow body, the cap having ribs and openings between the ribs;
and
a valve member disposed in the cap and occluding the openings to allow air to enter the tracheostomy tube during inhale cycles but to be forced through the larynx during exhale cycles;
wherein at least one of the hollow body, the cap and the valve member are made of a hydrosensitive material that undergoes a color change over time with exposure to moisture.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application

13/738,834Filed 10 Jan 2013

Published

10 Jul 2014

Term ends

Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification11 codes

A61M 16/0468
Tracheostomy tubes; Devices for performing a tracheostomy; Accessories therefor, e.g. masks, filters: with valves at the proximal end limiting…
A61M 16/105
Preparation of respiratory gases or vapours: filters
A61M 16/161
Devices to humidify the respiration air: with means for measuring the humidity
A61M 16/0051
Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. ventilators ; Tracheal tubes: with alarm devices

Speaking valve with saturation indication

Life of this patent

Speaking valve with saturation indication

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20