EXTENDED DWELL VOICE PROSTHESIS

摘要

The position of the rear esophageal flange (14) of a voice prosthesis (10) disposed in a tracheoesophageal fistula (62) is determined by forming a distinctive radiopaque pattern on the flange, preferably by insert molding a radiopaque ring (50) along the perimeter of the flange and radiographically imaging the flange to determine the pattern of the ring. Pattern recognition of the ring is improved by forming the concentric flapper valve (60) of radiopaque material.