Abstract: A laryngeal nerve exciting system includes a collar holding a bridge, or a neckband, pressing soft tissue nerve exciters against a patient's neck providing a source of vibrations to stimulate the laryngeal nerve through the larynx. At least one exciter, and preferably two exciters, provide vibrations at preferably 70 Hz to 110 Hz and sufficiently strong to penetrate to the laryngeal nerve. The exciters may be held by the collar circling the neck, or by the neck band partially circling the neck. The therapy system includes a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) and software which wirelessly connects, monitors, and triggers the device. The system may be used to treat dysphagia, chronic cough, and spasmodic dysphonia.

Abstract: A method for enhancing speech control in a subject includes applying a first vibrotactile stimulation and applying a second vibrotactile stimulation to a thyroid area of the subject. The first vibrotactile stimulation has a first vibrating property and the second vibrotactile stimulation has a second vibrating property different than the first vibrating property. Example vibrating properties include vibrating frequency, vibrating frequency range, wave shape, continuousness, frequency phase, and direction of mechanical force. A collar may be configured to position the first vibrational transducer and the second vibrational transducer over a neck of a subject.

Abstract: A laryngeal nerve exciting system includes a collar holding a bridge, or a neckband, pressing soft tissue nerve exciters against a patient's neck providing a source of vibrations to stimulate the laryngeal nerve through the larynx. At least one exciter, and preferably two exciters, provide vibrations at preferably 70 Hz to 110 Hz and sufficiently strong to penetrate to the laryngeal nerve. The exciters may be held by the collar circling the neck, or by the neck band partially circling the neck. The therapy system includes a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) and software which wirelessly connects, monitors, and triggers the device. The system may be used to treat dysphagia, chronic cough, and spasmodic dysphonia.

Abstract: A laryngeal nerve exciting system includes a collar holding a bridge, or a neckband, pressing soft tissue nerve exciters against a patient's neck providing a source of vibrations to stimulate the laryngeal nerve through the larynx. At least one exciter, and preferably two exciters, provide vibrations at preferably 70 Hz to 110 Hz and sufficiently strong to penetrate to the laryngeal nerve. The exciters may be held by the collar circling the neck, or by the neck band partially circling the neck. The therapy system includes a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) and software which wirelessly connects, monitors, and triggers the device. The system may be used to treat dysphagia, chronic cough, and spasmodic dysphonia.

Abstract: A device includes a first vibrational transducer and a second vibrational transducer. The first vibrational transducer has a first vibrating property. The second vibrotactile stimulator has a second vibrating property different than the first vibrating property. A collar may be configured to position the first vibrational transducer and the second vibrational transducer over a neck of a subject. A method for stimulating swallowing in a subject includes applying a first vibrotactile stimulation and applying a second vibrotactile stimulation to a throat area of the subject. The first vibrotactile stimulation has a first vibrating property and the second vibrotactile stimulation has a second vibrating property different than the first vibrating property. Example vibrating properties include vibrating frequency, vibrating frequency range, wave shape, continuousness, frequency phase, and direction of mechanical force.

Abstract: A laryngeal nerve exciting system includes a collar holding a bridge, or a neckband, pressing soft tissue nerve exciters against a patient's neck providing a source of vibrations to stimulate the laryngeal nerve through the larynx. At least one exciter, and preferably two exciters, provide vibrations at preferably 70 Hz to 110 Hz and sufficiently strong to penetrate to the laryngeal nerve. The exciters may be held by the collar circling the neck, or by the neck band partially circling the neck. The therapy system includes a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) and software which wirelessly connects, monitors, and triggers the device. The system may be used to treat dysphagia, chronic cough, and spasmodic dysphonia.

Abstract: The embodiments of the present tracheostomy valves include a flexible diaphragm abutting a rib shaped substantially as a flat plate. Opposite the rib, the diaphragm abuts a boss and forms an uninterrupted seal therewith. As the tracheostomized patient inhales, the diaphragm bends about the rib, interrupting the seal and allowing air to flow smoothly into the valve. The features of the various embodiments contribute to a positive seal at all times except during inhalation, and low resistance to airflow through the valve during inhalation.

Abstract: The embodiments of the present tracheostomy valves include a flexible diaphragm abutting a rib shaped substantially as a flat plate. Opposite the rib, the diaphragm abuts a boss and forms an uninterrupted seal therewith. As the tracheostomized patient inhales, the diaphragm bends about the rib, interrupting the seal and allowing air to flow smoothly into the valve. The features of the various embodiments contribute to a positive seal at all times except during inhalation, and low resistance to airflow through the valve during inhalation.

Abstract: A device includes a first vibrational transducer and a second vibrational transducer. The first vibrational transducer has a first vibrating property. The second vibrotactile stimulator has a second vibrating property different than the first vibrating property. A collar may be configured to position the first vibrational transducer and the second vibrational transducer over a neck of a subject. A method for stimulating swallowing in a subject includes applying a first vibrotactile stimulation and applying a second vibrotactile stimulation to a throat area of the subject. The first vibrotactile stimulation has a first vibrating property and the second vibrotactile stimulation has a second vibrating property different than the first vibrating property. Example vibrating properties include vibrating frequency, vibrating frequency range, wave shape, continuousness, frequency phase, and direction of mechanical force.

Abstract: A device and method for suctioning mucus and secretions from a patient's tracheostomy tube is described. The device utilizes a reusable squeezable bulb with check valves to regulate air flow in and out of the squeezable bulb and a disposable mucus trap and suction catheter to suction a tracheostomy tube effectively and discretely without using an electrically powered suction machine.

Abstract: The embodiments of the present tracheostomy valves include a flexible diaphragm abutting a rib shaped substantially as a flat plate. Opposite the rib, the diaphragm abuts a boss and forms an uninterrupted seal therewith. As the tracheostomized patient inhales, the diaphragm bends about the rib, interrupting the seal and allowing air to flow smoothly into the valve. The features of the various embodiments contribute to a positive seal at all times except during inhalation, and low resistance to airflow through the valve during inhalation.

Abstract: The embodiments of the present tracheostomy valves include a flexible diaphragm abutting a rib shaped substantially as a flat plate. Opposite the rib, the diaphragm abuts a boss and forms an uninterrupted seal therewith. As the tracheostomized patient inhales, the diaphragm bends about the rib, interrupting the seal and allowing air to flow smoothly into the valve. The features of the various embodiments contribute to a positive seal at all times except during inhalation, and low resistance to airflow through the valve during inhalation.

Abstract: An anatomical simulator useful in training proper tracheostomy and nasogastric tube placement and tracheostomy tube cuff inflation is disclosed. The simulator includes a simulated trachea and simulated esophagus separated by a simulated tracheoesophageal wall. The simulated wall is flexible, such that when a tracheostomy tube is positioned therein and a cuff thereon is overinflated, the wall extends outwardly in the direction of the simulated esophagus.

Abstract: An oxygen adapter for delivering low volume supplemental oxygen to a tracheostomized patient using a conventional tracheostomy speaking valve is provided, the adapter including a tube fitting for receiving conventional tubing thereon, and an outlet section attached to the tube fitting and defining a channel communicating between the tube fitting and an outlet end of the outlet section. The outlet section preferably extends axially from the tube fitting along the outer wall of a speaking valve to which the adapter is connected, the outlet end being located adjacent an inlet of the speaking valve, thereby delivering oxygen from the tubing received on the tube fitting to the inlet of the speaking valve. The adapter may be detachably connectable to the cylindrical wall of the speaking valve, preferably by a pair of semi-rigid gripping flanges adapted to peripherally engage the cylindrical wall of the speaking valve. The adapter preferably comprises injection-molded plastic, such as polycarbonate.