Abstract: Described is a tracheostoma closure device which has a valve (18, 23) which can be actuated at will be breathing out, to permit the patient to speak. The arrangement has an open tube portion (10) which can be introduced into the stoma and from which extends a passage stump portion (7) which leads outwardly through the stoma and which on its front side carries a housing (9) for the valve. An adjustable flange ring (8) for sealing off the stoma is carried on the passage stump portion (7). The valve is formed by a non-return valve flap (18) which is mounted pivotally in the valve housing (9) and which opens in the direction of breathing in and closes in the direction of breathing out when a predetermined flow speed is exceeded.

Abstract: Described is an endotube for positioning in particular in the esophagus, which at one end has a funnel-like enlargement portion (1), a tubular central portion (2) and at the other end a thickened portion which enlarges towards the central portion and which after having passed through a constriction makes it difficult to withdraw the endotube. The thickened portion is formed from two hollow thin-walled limb portions (3) which are open to the interior of the central portion (2) and which project out of the central portion (2) and which rise in a ramp-like configuration towards the central portion and which then terminate with a steep drop (4). By virtue of that configuration the limbs (3) can be fully folded in, even when an endoscope is introduced into the endotube for positioning thereof, so that the limbs can be easily passed through a constriction. The funnel-like enlargement portion (1) is such that it forms a non-rotatable connection together with an inserted positioning tube.

Abstract: Described is an implantable device for selectively opening and closing tubular organs of the body such as the urethra. The device comprises a sleeve of an elastomeric plastic material, being of a stiff or rigid shape. The sleeve has a slit-like opening for receiving the organ, while the width of the opening is such that the organ is at least partially closed off in the rest condition of the device. Pressure can be applied manually, possibly by way of a remote operating means, to cause the opening to be temporarily enlarged whereby the organ which extends through the opening is also opened. The device may also have a continuously open position which is produced by means of a ball which can be displaced into a retaining seat to hold the opening of the device in an open position.