Laryngeal and tracheal stenosis: an adapted speaking aid tracheostomy tube

A 41-year-old male patient with post-diphtheritic laryngeal deformity and an extensive upper tracheal stenosis is presented. Previous surgical attempts at repair of the tracheal stenosis had been unsuccessful and further surgery is not contemplated at the present time. A permanent speaking-aid tracheostomy tube must therefore be worn at all times and an adaptation to this tube to allow some expiratory escape past the valve is described.