Patent ID: 6588428
Filing Date: 2003-07-08
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
In a hollow tracheostomy tube adapted to be received in the throat of a patient, the tracheostomy tube having a first end protruding from the neck of the patient and a second end extending into the trachea of the patient below the larynx, the improvement comprising:a speaking valve having a cylindrical body having a first end, a flange formed circumferentially about the first end of the cylindrical body such that the cylindrical body is received in the first end of the tracheostomy tube with a friction fit, the flange in the cylindrical body holding the speaking valve at the first end of the cylindrical body, a means for retaining a ball disposed within the cylindrical body distal from the flange, an opening formed in the flange, said ball being disposed between the opening and the means for retaining the ball, a plurality of circumferentially spaced-apart ribs formed in the body of the speaking valve, each rib being approximately perpendicular to the flange, the ball being guided by the ribs, the ball being substantially centered within the tracheostomy tube wherein the air flow around the ball is unrestricted and the air moves at constant velocity when the patient inhales and exhales, the ball moving between the opening in the flange and the means for retaining the ball.