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Custom modification of the Blom-Singer tracheostoma valve housing
James C Lemon1, Jan S Lewin, Jack W Martin
1Department of Head and Neck Surgery, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston 77030, USA.
Abstract:
A technique is presented for modifying the Blom-Singer tracheostoma valve housing to improve peristomal skin adherence for hands-free tracheoesophageal speech production following total laryngectomy. The finished product is thin, flexible, and maintains enhanced tear strength. The edges of a standard housing device for the Blom-Singer valve are trimmed to allow for better accommodation to the tissue surface without distortion. A punch biopsy instrument is used to cut uniform holes around the housing device to allow for permeation of the silicone mixture for better mechanical adherence of the materials.