inhealth Blom-Singer Instructions For Use Manual page 15

Neck Strap Detachment
The indwelling voice prosthesis is designed to include the
optional detachment of the neck strap following confirmation
that the voice prosthesis esophageal retention flange is securely
positioned within the esophageal lumen against the anterior
wall of the esophagus. Removal of the neck strap is an optional
procedure.
Once deployment of the esophageal retention flange has been
confirmed, detach the neck strap from the tracheal retention
flange at the area of reduced neck strap width, where it meets
the tracheal flange, by cutting carefully with scissors (diagram 6).
The neck strap should not be detached from the indwelling
voice prosthesis if:
• use of a laryngectomy tube may potentially dislodge the
prosthesis;
• a patient has previously been wearing a voice prosthesis that
is larger in diameter than the indwelling voice prosthesis
currently being inserted;
• the diameter of the TE puncture is dilated significantly larger
than the voice prosthesis diameter; or,
• the health of the stoma tissue or physical condition of the
patient is in question.
Note: It is important not to detach the neck strap from the voice
prosthesis in the instances cited above. Tape the neck strap to the
peristomal skin and observe security of voice prosthesis retention
for an extended period of time.
Removal of the Prosthesis
The indwelling voice prosthesis is not a permanent device
and requires replacement periodically. The indwelling voice
prosthesis may be left in place in the TE puncture until it ceases
to function correctly, that is, until it leaks or is not providing
adequate voice for speech. Many clinicians recommend routine
follow-up evaluations not longer than 6 months from initial
placement.
Removal of the indwelling voice prosthesis should only be
Blom-Singer® Indwelling Voice Prostheses
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