Department of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY, United States of America.
David D. Reh School of Business, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY, United States of America.
PLoS One. 2021 Sep 13;16(9):e0257463. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0257463. eCollection 2021.
Individuals with a laryngectomy face a host of challenges ranging from restricted vocal communication to significant lifestyle modifications associated with breathing through a stoma. Although there are significant mental and physical health benefits achieved by returning to recreational pursuits that were enjoyed pre-surgery, there can be significant obstacles in doing so. One particular challenge arises during participation in water activities (e.g, fishing, boating, etc.) where accidental submersion poses a significant risk of drowning. This manuscript describes a proof-of-concept device that protects the airway from accidental incursion of water into the airway during unanticipated submersion in water, thereby allowing laryngectomees to return to participation in water activities. The device is designed to be worn comfortably for long periods of time, while not interfering with the common methods of replacement speech that are utilized post-laryngectomy.
喉切除术后的个体面临着一系列的挑战，包括受限的语音交流以及与通过造口呼吸相关的重大生活方式改变。尽管通过恢复术前喜欢的娱乐活动可以获得显著的身心健康益处，但在这样做时可能会遇到重大障碍。在参与水上活动（例如钓鱼、划船等）时会出现一个特别的挑战，因为意外浸没会带来溺水的重大风险。本文档描述了一种概念验证设备，该设备可在意外浸没于水中时防止气道意外进水，从而使喉切除术后患者能够重新参与水上活动。该设备设计为可长时间舒适佩戴，同时不干扰喉切除术后常用的替代语音方法。
