Abstract: A tracheostomy tube includes a substantially straight tube of a highly flexible material and having a wire reinforcement and a neck plate which is adapted for sliding movement axially of the tube between the proximal and distal ends of the tube. The neck plate includes a split collar elastic member which extends around the tube. The split collar member includes a tab at one end which is stretched to overlie the other end of the collar and can be locked to the other end of the collar by a pin and hole arrangement to fixedly secure the neck plate to a predetermined position on the tube.

Abstract: A cuffed tracheal tube for use in intubation of a trachea of a patient during laser surgery involving the head or neck of the patient, includes a flexible aluminum conduit, and an expandable cuff carried at one end of the conduit and including a body of sponge-like material enclosed within a cover filled with water which saturates the sponge-like body while expanding the cuff to provide a seal between the tracheal tube and the trachea of the patient. The flexible aluminum conduit and the water saturated cuff define a heat dispersion medium for absorbing laser energy engaging the tracheal tube.

Abstract: A speech prosthesis device which is inserted into a surgically created opening communicating the trachea and esophagus of a laryngectomized patient includes a one-way valve assembly that permits air to be channeled air from the patient's trachea into the patient's esophagus while preventing flow of esophageal material into the trachea. The present invention provides an improvement in such prosthesis devices by providing that the membrane-like, tabbed flap or disc is seated at an angle which is oblique in reference to the longitudinal axis of the tubular housing of the device be, preferably, oval shaped, and that the tabbed flap or disk be superiorily hinged to the tubular housing. The predetermined and uniform resistance to airflow offered by the one-way valve assembly of the present invention is substantially less than the resistance offered by a normal human larynx.

Abstract: Device for use in exercising the vaginal muscles, embodying a cuffed rod for insertion into the vagina, the cuff being normally yieldingly inflated for affording a yielding resistive force, but being collapsible for insertion into the vagina. A volume displacement indicator is operatively connected to the cuff for measuring the amount of air flow from within the cuff resulting from the collapse of the cuff due to the contraction of the vaginal muscles.

Abstract: A tracheostoma valve assembly for use with a tracheostomy tube or a speech prosthesis device includes a tubular housing structure containing a spring biased main valve which, during normal vegetative breathing, will remain open, and which, during normal air flow associated with speech, will close. The valve assembly includes a separate external relief valve which is closed during normal vegetative breathing and speaking and which opens to release the increased air pressure within the tubular housing resulting from a substantially increased air pressure within the valve assembly and automatically closes when the air pressure is reduced in the valve assembly.