Independently activated talking tracheostomy systems for quadriplegic patients.

Patients who require mechanical ventilator support use cuffed tracheostomy tubes to facilitate prolonged, intermittent, positive-pressure ventilation. The air flow provided by these cuffed tracheostomy tubes bypasses the vocal cords, preventing verbal expression by the patient. Specially designed cuffed tracheostomy tubes are available that restore air flow across the vocal cords without compromising a patient's ventilation. These tracheostomy tubes require an air control port to be covered when air flow is needed by the patient to produce speech. Individuals with neuromuscular impairment usually require an attendant to activate the control port. Electromechanical systems have been developed to allow independent activation of the air flow by the patient. Both freestanding and wheelchair-based systems are described.