A SPEECH VALVE, A TOOL FOR FACILITATING INSERTION OF A SPEECH VALVE AND A TOOL FOR HOLDING A SPEECH VALVE

摘要

A tool for facilitating insertion of a speech valve with a flexible retention flange into a fistula between the trachea and the oesophagus of a human patient. The tool has a wall curved to define a passage having opposed open first and second passage ends and an axis extending therebetween. The wall has an external surface insertable into a fistula between the trachea and oesophagus and defining a slot which extends from the passage to the external surface of the wall. The slot has an opening at the first passage end extending from the first passage end to at least a part of the way to the second passage end and at least a portion of the slot progresses angularly around the axis.