Abstract: Into patients intubated with an endotracheal tube for patient ventilation, a sound tube is inserted into the hypopharynx. A valve between the endotracheal tube and the ventilator can be manually actuated so that the patient's exhaled breath passes through a buzzer in the sound tube. The sound emanates from a location just above the natural vocal chords and can be articulated into intelligible speech by lips and tongue.

Abstract: A rigid receptacle has an open top, and a removable lid seals by vacuum onto the open top. The lid carries dependent therefrom into the receptacle a flexible disposable collection bag. The bag is supported from the lid by means of an inlet fitting and an outlet fitting which extends from the lid. The inlet fitting is for attachment to a tube which extends into the thoracic cavity of the patient. The outlet fitting has an outwardly facing check valve therein to prevent buildup of pressure within the collection bag. The lid is also provided with a vacuum connection, by which vacuum can be drawn into the receptacle but outside of the collection bag to close vacuum in the vacuum bag without the need for continuous vacuum or the connection of a vacuum line to the interior of the collection bag.