Laryngectomee Technology

This section is where the different bits and pieces that help us to adjust to our new way of living are shown. It is important to always bare in mind that people are individuals and as such each of us will have different needs. For example, in the following section the HME system is discussed. Many people do not need to use these aids and are very happy not to. I personally feel that they are indispensible. So each to their own...

This first section shows how Provox Technology ( from Atos Medical ) helps with stoma care and provides a simple means for voicing.

The system provides an adhesive which is fitted over the stoma. The Stoma is the passageway through which the laryngectomee breathes. The following diagrams illustrates the adhesive.

The appature shown on the adhesive is there to insert a catridge type filter - see later.

The adhesive is placed on the neck as demonstrated here.

This is the HME Catridge. You can see the foam through which we breathe. It is there to help maintain a clean air-flow. Also it acts as a heat and moisture barrier to help the lungs maintain temperature and humidity levels. This is why it is called HME which stands for Heat and Moisture Exchanger. Using this also helps the user to have stronger lungs as the action of breathing means that more force has to be exerted than without the cartridge.

An angled shot.

A Catridge is placed in the aperture after the adhesive has been placed in position over the stoma.

This shows the HME in position.

This shows it on my neck.

I am pressing the HME. It has a valve which means when I press it the air is not able to come out. If I then breathe out slowly I will be able to activate a voice prosthesis (medical speak for something that acts like an artificial larynx). More on this later.

This is me wearing the HME and cartridge. Some people prefer to cover it with some clothing like a tie or scarf but its simply a matter of choice. Personally I don't cover it as you can see. Anything put in the way of it is just a nuisance as far as I am concerned as it restricts my ability to press the HME to enable voicing. I never wear a tie now. I guess some people are envious of that when I am at work but I'm sure they are never envious of why.