it is safe for you to do so.
The voice prosthesis lumen must be kept clear of blockage to
enable patients to voice.
Voice Prosthesis Dislodgement
If the voice prosthesis is accidentally dislodged from the TE
puncture, immediately place a Blom-Singer puncture dilator,
or a suitable device as recommended by your doctor, of the
appropriate diameter, in the puncture to keep it from closing
and leaking fluids. Contact your doctor immediately. The voice
prosthesis should be reinserted within 24 hours.
Care should be exercised when inserting or removing cleaning
devices to avoid accidental displacement of the prosthesis which
could result in aspiration (inhalation) of the voice prosthesis. In
the unlikely event that this should occur, you should attempt
to cough the voice prosthesis out of the windpipe. Immediately
seek medical attention if unsuccessful.
Never insert foreign objects into the voice prosthesis. Inserting
objects other than the supplied cleaning device may cause
dislodgment of the voice prosthesis or its components and may
cause these objects to be swallowed or inhaled.
Voice Prosthesis Leakage
Recurrent leakage of fluids through the voice prosthesis should
be evaluated by your clinician soon after it is noticed. When the
valve (diagram 1a) fails to close completely a few drops of fluid
may pass back through the valve from the esophagus to the
trachea, which may cause coughing.
Microbial Growth
Most users have microbial growth in their mouth, throat, or
esophagus; this is a commonly occurring condition. Microbial
growth deposits can cause valve deformation and failure, i.e.,
liquid leakage through the voice prosthesis and an increase in the
pressure necessary to voice. Replacement of the voice prosthesis
may be required.
Device Removal
The voice prosthesis may be used until it ceases to function
correctly, that is, until it leaks or is not providing adequate
voice for speech. Many clinicians recommend routine follow-up
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