Laryngeal prosthesis

Abstract

A patient subjected to laryngectomy is provided surgically with a fistula intended to serve as a pseudo-glottis, and a tracheostome, these two tracts being sited in the midline region of the neck surface. A laryngeal prosthesis for the patient is of generally symmetrical form comprising a hollowed main body with two external tubes to respectively engage the surgically formed tracts, the fistular tube being sufficiently short to avoid inhibiting the psuedo-glottis function. The prosthesis body is apertured to provide a valve function communicating the tracheal tube with atmosphere for respiration, or with the fistular tube for phonation. This function can be effected by a normally open flap valve closable by a first high pressure in the body, and a normally closed blow-out valve may then be appropriate to open at second higher pressure to remove secretions, together with a further normally open valve to close the fistular tube at the higher pressure. Also, a non-return valve is normally appropriate in the fistular tube, and this, or a similar valve, can serve as a tone generator if necessary.

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