ENT - Head & Neck
Blom-Singer Surgical Voice Restoration
Most people who undergo a laryngectomy find the loss of the ability to speak devastating.
Most laryngectomees find that the use of a device like the Blom-Singer Voice Prosthesis is the best option to give them a good voice again. Surgical Voice Restoration (SVR) involves surgery to create a channel between the airway and the oesophagus, which is maintained by a one-way valved stent - the Blom-Singer Voice Prosthesis.
The specialty of SVR has seen many advancements in recent years and an even wider range of Indwelling and Exdwelling Blom-Singer valves now exists in both 16Fr and 20Fr to address the majority of clinical situations. There are still ranges that both the clinician and patient are able to change and maintain as well as ‘Special Options’ valves designed to manage some of the more challenging scenarios within SVR.
Since its introduction in 1994, the Blom-Singer Classic Indwelling voice prosthesis has been a premier voice-restoration product for laryngectomees worldwide.
The Classic 16Fr Indwelling is intended for laryngectomees who are unable or opt not to perform the routine removal and insertion necessary for the cleaning and maintenance of traditional, patient-changeable voice prostheses. The smaller 16Fr diameter, combined with the Gel Cap insertion method ensures that both the party wall & TEP are treated with the greatest care and respect. Although not categorised as an ‘Increased Resistance’ voice prosthesis, the robust valve hinge and flapper also serves to counter the effects of negative pressure and central leakage.
The Classic Indwelling voice prosthesis is clinician-placed; it is inserted and replaced on an as needed basis by an appropriately trained Speech and Language Therapist, Physician or Clinical Nurse Specialist only. It is available in a variety of sizes ranging from 4mm to 22mm.
Click here to download mailer on 16Fr Indwelling
The 20Fr Indwelling with large oesophageal flange has been successfully introduced to counter peripheral leakage around a valve.
The Indwelling Advantage range is a clinician-placed one-way valve with silver oxide which acts as a fungal inhibitor. It is indicated as a problem-solving valve for patients with candida.
For laryngectomees who may experience intermittent central leakage through the valve due to negative pressure within the pharyngo-oesophagus, a range of Increased Resistance valves also exists.
Many of the Indwelling Valves are also now available sterile for use in theatre.
All in all, these and InHealth’s commitment to ongoing research and development reinforce Blom-Singer’s reputation as ‘The Voice of Experience’. |
