remaining portion of the folded esophageal retention
flange completely into the gel cap (diagram 4d). Do
not use any sharp or serrated instruments to avoid
damaging the prosthesis.
3.5. The esophageal retention flange should be folded
in a forward position and completely enclosed inside
the gel cap (diagram 4e).
Prosthesis Insertion
Warning: Caution should be exercised to avoid accidental
displacement of the voice prosthesis which could result in
aspiration of the voice prosthesis into the trachea. Should
aspiration occur, the patient should attempt to cough the voice
prosthesis out of the trachea. Further medical attention may be
necessary if coughing the voice prosthesis out is unsuccessful.
1. Place the voice prosthesis on the inserter and lock the neck
strap onto the safety peg (diagram 3).
2. Caution the patient not to swallow as you remove the
previously inserted dilator-sizer to avoid aspiration of saliva
into the trachea prior to inserting the voice prosthesis.
3. Apply a light coating of water-soluble lubricant (oil-free) to
the tip of the gel-capped end of the voice prosthesis and
immediately insert the voice prosthesis completely into the TE
puncture by aligning the tip of the voice prosthesis partially in
the puncture with the neck strap oriented upwards (diagram
5). Note: Do not use petroleum-based products such as
Vaseline® to lubricate the voice prosthesis as these products
can damage silicone.
4. Hold the voice prosthesis in this position of complete
insertion for at least three minutes. This allows
ample time for the gel cap to dissolve and release the
esophageal retention flange (diagram 1b) within the
esophagus. Patients should be instructed to swallow their
saliva or warm water to facilitate dissolving the gel cap.
12 | 37640-01J