1. Tracheoesophageal Voice Prosthesis Insertion Kit Mike Hixson Josh Fox Sponsor: Dr. Terry Day (Otolaryngology)

2. Objectives Develop tracheoesophageal voice prosthesis insertion kit To be used with Blom-Singer prosthesis Will create kit specific to tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP) procedure, eliminating the borrowing of equipment from other fields

3. Laryngectomy Usually performed as final option against cancer of the larynx Larynx (voice box) is removed, along with cancerous portions of lymph nodes Direct path between lungs and mouth broken Trachea shunted out of neck, forming stoma (breathing hole)

4. Post-Laryngectomy Voice Restoration Artificial Larynx (Electrical)Esophageal Speech

5. TEP Combined with Blom- Singer Voice Prosthesis Back of trachea punctured, creating a passageway between trachea and esophagus Blom-Singer device is inserted as a valve between the trachea and esophagus Prosthesis allows for flow of air in one direction while blocking backflow of food and liquids

6. Work Completed Literature Search - Medline and PubMed Discussions with Dr. Terry Day and Dr. Pete Shoal about procedure and materials We have contacted the INHEALTH, maker of Blom-Singer voice prosthesis. They are sending us multimedia information.

7. Future Work Observation of one TEP procedure on Tuesday, February 2, 1999 Further contact with physicians and manufacturing companies Develop prototype insertion kit