SPEAKING VALVE WITH SATURATION INDICATION

摘要

A speaking valve includes a hollow body configured to be secured to a connector of a tracheostomy system disposed in a patient. The speaking valve further includes a cap that houses a valve member, which enables the speaking valve to act as a one-way check valve. The valve member, hollow body, or other components of the valve may include a material that undergoes a chemical changed when exposed to moisture, i.e., a hydrosensitive material. Particularly, the hydrosensitive material may exhibit a color change when exposed to moisture. As such, the hydrosensitive material may be useful in providing a visual indication of the saturation and/or moisture level of the speaking valve.

主权项

1. A tracheostomy speaking valve, comprising:
a hollow body configured to be mounted to a tracheostomy tube connector; a cap fitted over an end of the hollow body, the cap having ribs and openings between the ribs; and a valve member disposed in the cap and occluding the openings to allow air to enter the tracheostomy tube during inhale cycles but to be forced through the larynx during exhale cycles; wherein at least one of the hollow body, the cap and the valve member are made of a hydrosensitive material that undergoes a color change over time with exposure to moisture.