inhealth Blom-Singer Instructions For Use Manual page 11

from the Dilator-Sizer neck strap, grasp the dilator securely, and
carefully withdraw it from the puncture. Immediately insert the
indwelling voice prosthesis (see below).
Voice Prosthesis Preparation
Note: Prior to use of the indwelling voice prosthesis, check the
valve mechanism to be sure it is intact and working properly.
The flap valve, (diagram 1a), should close flat against the seating
surface inside the voice prosthesis.
Prepare the voice prosthesis for insertion by utilizing the Blom-
Singer Gel Cap insertion method. Use only the specially sized gel
caps provided with this product.
The following steps describe the hand folding method of gel cap
insertion.
1. Remove the voice prosthesis from the package. Always handle
the voice prosthesis with clean, gloved hands. Be certain that
your hands and the voice prosthesis are completely dry before
loading the gel cap. Failure to do so may cause premature
dissolution of the gel cap.
2. Remove the gel cap insertion components from the package:
gel cap, flange introducer, and inserter tool.
3. Fold and load the esophageal retention flange of the voice
prosthesis into the gel cap, (shorter end of the capsule)
according to the following steps. Discard the gel body, (longer
end of capsule may be printed), see figure below.
3.1. Fold the esophageal retention flange tightly in half
toward the center of the device (diagram 4a).
3.2. Fold the two outer edges of the esophageal
retention flange tightly against the folded flange
(diagram 4b) and hold the prosthesis in this folded
position.
3.3. Insert the folded portion of the esophageal
retention flange into the gel cap (diagram 4c). Gently
tuck and push the folded esophageal retention flange
as far as possible into the gel cap.
3.4. Use the flange introducer to gently tuck the
Blom-Singer® Indwelling Voice Prostheses
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