A novel,ward-assembled tracheostomy speaking valve: Innovation in a resource-deficient environment

Abstract

Tracheostomy speaking valves play a crucial role in facilitating effective communication in post-operative head and neck cases. Other benefits are improved respiratory and swallowing functions in individuals with tracheostomies. It serves as an intermediary step in the decannulation process, ensuring there is a patent airway prior to decannulation. In island and resource-deficient countries, access to manufactured speaking valves may be difficult due to supply chain issues or simply unaffordable to people. Alternative, cheaper and/or innovative methods of providing a speaking-type prosthesis are needed. This paper presents the design, construction, and evaluation of a novel tracheostomy speaking valve aimed at improving speech intelligibility and respiratory efficiency and facilitating better swallowing, while ensuring patient comfort and safety.

Keywords

Tracheostomy speaking valve communication respiratory function speech intelligibility device design

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References

Fernández Carmona

, et al. Use of speaking valve on preventing respiratory infections, in critical traqueostomized patients diagnosed of dysphagia secondary to artificial airway. edisval study. Intensive Care Med Exp 2015; 3(Suppl 1): A936. doi: https://doi.org/10.1186/2197-425X-3-S1-A936.

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, et al. Return of voice for ventilated tracheostomy patients in ICU: a randomized controlled trial of early-targeted intervention. Crit Care Med 2016; 44: 1075–1081.

Sutt

, et al. The use of tracheostomy speaking valves in mechanically ventilated patients results in improved communication and does not prolong ventilation time in cardiothoracic intensive care unit patients. J Crit Care 2015; 30: 491–494.

Ceron

, et al. The effect of speaking valves on ICU mobility of individuals with tracheostomy. Respir Care 2020; 65: 144–149.

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