Patent ID: 7240676
Filing Date: 2007-07-10
Classification: A61M,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A tracheotomy valve unit adapted to cooperate with a tracheotomy tube inserted into a patient's trachea, said valve unit comprising: a. a first end comprising a connector adapted for connection to the free end of the tracheotomy tube and a valve base adapted to receive the connector; b. a second end comprising a valve unit inlet, the valve unit inlet comprising a support comprising a crosspiece configured to form air ports therethrough and a disk-shaped member defining a hole therethrough; c. a first valve comprising a seating ring extending inward from the support around the outer periphery of the air ports, a thin, flexible diaphragm biased against the seating ring and making positive closure contact therewith, and a rivet for connecting the diaphragm to the seating ring, the rivet adapted to sealingly fit into the hole defined by the disk-shaped member and having a length to bias the diaphragm against the seating ring, wherein the first valve permits airflow from the valve unit inlet through the valve unit and to the tube in the patient's trachea when the patient inhales, and blocks airflow from the tube through the valve unit when the patient exhales; and d. a second valve located in an axial bore hole of the rivet and operable to open during pressures associated with speaking, wherein the second valve begins to open to permit airflow from the tube through the valve unit and out the valve unit when the intrathoracic pressure during expiration reaches about 3 cm of water, allows increasing airflow through it as the intrathoracic pressure during expiration increases, is fully open and allows maximum airflow therethrough when the intrathoracic pressure is greater than about 12 cm of water, and blocks such airflow when the intrathoracic pressure during expiration is less than about 4 cm of water.