Patient maintenance

To facilitate the daily maintenance of the prosthesis a Brush has been developed. The brush has a collar to preclude insertion too deep into the prosthesis and a round tip to prevent damage to the esophageal mucosa. The cleaning of the prosthesis with this brush is effective and safe. After its use the brush can be cleaned easily with water and be used for several weeks or even months. For the longer devices (12.5 and 15 mm, an extra long brush is available (Brush XL).

Also available is a flushing device (Provox Flush), which enables easy and save flushing of the prosthesis, for instance with tap water. An additional benefit of this device is that it assists in the clearance of the pharynx from the thick mucus, many laryngectomized patients have as a result of radiotherapy. They often report that this flushing gives them a fresh feeling in the throat and an easier start in the morning.

Prosthesis replacement is almost always indicated because of leakage through the prosthesis itself due to candida overgrowth causing insufficient valve closure. For temporary control of leakage through the prosthesis a special Plug has been developed. If thorough internal cleaning of the prosthesis with the Provox brush or flush does not solve the leakage and the valve remains incompetent, replacement of the prosthesis is indicated. In case the patient is not able to have the prosthesis replaced at short notice, for instance during weekends or holidays, this plug can be used during the consumption of liquids (solid food only rarely causes problems). The plug can be easily placed on top of the handgrip of the cleaning brush and then introduced into the tracheal opening of the voice prosthesis. The plug contains a string with a proper sized button to prevent its loss into the trachea. It is suggested that all patients are provided with this plug, especially if they are not living close to their hospital or when traveling abroad. In practice, it has been shown that, since most of the time leakage is mild, the patient does not have to bother organizing replacement of the prosthesis somewhere else, but instead can postpone this procedure for several days with the application of this plug until a visit to his/her own clinician can be arranged.