Abstract: A voice prosthesis insertion device includes an elongated body having an aperture therein extending axially along the elongated body. The elongated body includes a ring member at one end that is supported by a pair of straps. The elongated body has at least one region that is increasing in cross section. The elongated body further having a collapsible portion defined by a pair of openings in the elongated body. A rod is disposed in the aperture of the elongated body and including a peg adapted to be inserted into an aperture of a tether of a voice prosthesis device. The collapsible portion of the elongated body is flexible to allow the collapsible portion to be longitudinally collapsed to expose the peg of the rod for easy engagement with the strap of the voice prosthesis and the collapsible portion is extendable from the collapsed position to extend over the peg.

Abstract: A twist to lock heat and moisture exchanging device includes a housing having a first opening that is adapted to open to a tracheostoma and a second opening that opens to ambient. A foam filter is disposed in the housing and a closure member is mounted to the housing and adapted to close a passage between the first opening and the second opening. A locking mechanism is engageable to prevent movement of the closure member to close the passage and disengageable to allow movement of the closure member to close the passage. The twist to lock tracheostoma heat and moisture exchanger allows a user to protect from accidental closure during activities when it would be preferred like sleeping and exercising.

Abstract: A voice prosthesis is provided for insertion into a fistula opening in a tracheoesophageal wall. The voice prosthesis includes a tubular elastomeric body having a central passage therein and having a valve seat on one end thereof. A pair of flanges each extending radially outwardly from opposite ends of the tubular elastomeric body. An umbrella shaped valve is disposed in at least a portion of the tubular elastomeric body, the umbrella shaped valve engaging the valve seat in a normal state and the umbrella shaped valve flexing upward in an open actuated state. The umbrella shaped valve can further be supported by a flexible web. The floating umbrella shaped valve engages the valve seat in a normal state and is movable to an open position in an actuated state wherein the flexible web flexes to allow movement of the valve.

Abstract: A voice prosthesis insertion device includes an elongated body having an aperture therein extending axially along the elongated body. The elongated body includes a ring member at one end that is supported by a pair of straps. The elongated body has at least one region that is increasing in cross section. The elongated body further having a collapsible portion defined by a pair of openings in the elongated body. A rod is disposed in the aperture of the elongated body and including a peg adapted to be inserted into an aperture of a tether of a voice prosthesis device. The collapsible portion of the elongated body is flexible to allow the collapsible portion to be longitudinally collapsed to expose the peg of the rod for easy engagement with the strap of the voice prosthesis and the collapsible portion is extendable from the collapsed position to extend over the peg.

Abstract: A twist to lock heat and moisture exchanging device includes a housing having a first opening that is adapted to open to a tracheostoma and a second opening that opens to ambient. A foam filter is disposed in the housing and a closure member is mounted to the housing and adapted to close a passage between the first opening and the second opening. A locking mechanism is engageable to prevent movement of the closure member to close the passage and disengageable to allow movement of the closure member to close the passage. The twist to lock tracheostoma heat and moisture exchanger allows a user to protect from accidental closure during activities when it would be preferred like sleeping and exercising.

Abstract: In accordance with the present inventions, anchoring devices for a lead (e.g., a neurostimulation lead) placed on solid tissue (e.g., fascia) and methods of anchoring the lead relative to the tissue are provided. Such methods may include inserting the lead into an epidural space and coupling the lead to a neurostimulation.