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c. a means to facilitate a safe passage of the Guidewire when it is passed through
the pharynx and out of the mouth.
Introduce the instrument into the esophagus (Fig. 3.1). If an endotracheal tube is in situ, this tube
should be removed if it obstructs proper dilatation and integral placement of the voice prosthesis.
CAUTION:
Always make sure that the instrument selected for pharynx protection does contains
a lumen for safe passage of the Guidewire. Otherwise, there is risk for (sub) mucosal damage.
2. Verify the correct location of the instrument by palpating the trachea at the intended puncture
site. For additional visual and/or transilluminated guidance, a flexible endoscope could be used
(Fig. 3.2).
3. Insert the Puncture Needle at the correct puncture site (about 8-10 mm from the edge of the
tracheostoma) until the tip of the needle reaches the inside wall of the instrument (Fig. 3.3).
4. Insert the Guidewire into the hub of the Puncture Needle. Push the Guidewire into the needle,
up through the lumen of instrument until it extends approx. 20 cm out through the distal end of
the instrument (Fig. 3.4).
WARNING:
Always verify that the Guidewire comes out through the lumen of the instrument
chosen for pharynx protection. Otherwise there is a risk for (sub) mucosal damage and the
procedure needs to be restarted (see Adverse Events and Troubleshooting Information as well
as Instructions for Reload of the Puncture Set).
5. Remove the Puncture Needle (Fig. 3.5).
CAUTION:
Always remove the needle before removing the instrument. There is a risk for
damaging the esophageal tissue otherwise.
6. Remove the instrument used for pharynx protection. Only the Guidewire should remain in situ
before continuing (Fig. 3.6).
7. From the cranial side, insert the Guidewire into the narrow end of the Puncture Dilator and push
the Guidewire until it extends approx. 10 cm through the Puncture Dilator exit hole (Fig. 3.7).
8. Grab the tip of the Guidewire and insert it in the hole next to the exit hole of the Puncture Dilator
(Fig. 3.8).
9. Tighten the Guidewire by pulling it from the narrow end of the Puncture Dilator and verify that
it is secured to the Puncture Dilator (Fig. 3.9).
CAUTION:
Ensure that the Guidewire is tightly secured in the Wirelock of the Puncture
Dilator. If the Guidewire is not securely locked into the Wirelock, the Guidewire could separate
from the Puncture Dilator and the Puncture Dilator may end up in the esophagus requiring
retrieval using additional instruments (e.g., laryngeal forceps).
10. Using a continuous, smooth motion; dilate the puncture site by carefully pulling the Guidewire
through the puncture site until the thick end of the Puncture Dilator has passed the puncture.
During dilatation, support the TE tissue (for example with two fingers) to reduce dilatation force.
For better control, firmly grasp the Guidewire close to the Puncture Dilator (Fig. 3.10).
CAUTION:
Dilatation and integral placement of the voice prosthesis should be carried out in
the anterior/caudal direction with limited lateral movement in order to limit the force applied to
the TE wall.
11. In the same continuous, smooth motion, carefully pull the Guidewire, Puncture Dilator and the
Puncture Dilator loop through the puncture. The Puncture Dilator loop folds the tracheal flange
of the voice prosthesis as the loop is pulled over the flange and through the puncture. The tracheal
flange unfolds in the trachea when the loop releases it (Fig. 3.11).
Stop pulling immediately when the tracheal flange is released by the Puncture Dilator loop. If
the tracheal flange does not unfold completely, it can be rotated in place using two non-toothed
hemostats.
12. Grasp the tracheal flange with a non-toothed hemostat, turn the prosthesis in the correct position
and cut the safety strap (Fig. 3.12).
2.2.3 Reload of the Puncture Set
www.atosmedical.com/reload-of-the-puncture-set
CAUTION:
Reload of the Provox Vega Puncture Set must not be performed if the voice prosthesis
safety strap has been cut or damaged during the first placement attempt.
If the procedure needs to be restarted the Provox Vega Puncture Set can be reloaded.
In order to reload the system:
1. Push the Guidewire from the narrow end of the Puncture Dilator until the Guidewire loosens
from the Wirelock (Fig. 4.1-4.2).
2. Pull the Guidewire through the Puncture Dilator (Fig. 4.3).
3. Reload the Vega voice prosthesis in the Puncture Dilator ring (Fig. 4.4).
WARNING:
The safety strap and tracheal flange of the voice prosthesis must be oriented towards
the Puncture Dilator strap and the Wirelock when it is inserted into the Puncture Dilator loop
(Fig. 4.4).
4. If needed, the Guidewire can be straightened to facilitate reinsertion.
5. Proceed according to “2.2 Operating Instructions”.
2.3 Cleaning and sterilization
The surgical components in the puncture set, as well as the voice prosthesis, are provided sterile (EO)
and are intended for single use only and can NOT be cleaned or resterilized.
After placement, the voice prosthesis requires regular cleaning by the patient while the prosthesis
remains in situ (see prosthesis maintenance below).
2.4 Important patient information
Inform the patient that:
• After a prosthesis placement traces of blood may be found in the sputum.
• Occasionally, mild leakage through or around the prosthesis may occur in the first weeks after
insertion of a prosthesis. This often resolves spontaneously and does not require immediate
replacement of the prosthesis.
• Speech training sessions with a speech language pathologist are advised in order to acquire optimal
voice sound, fluent speech, and optimal intelligibility.
Ensure that the patient understands to contact their clinician if:
• Any changes in the appearance of the material of the prosthesis or in the way it fits in the puncture
occur.
• Leakage occurs during eating and/or drinking, and cleaning the prosthesis does not help. Provox
Vega Plug can be used for temporary preventing leakage during eating and drinking until the device
can be replaced.
• Speaking becomes difficult (requires higher effort) and cleaning does not help.
• There are any signs of inflammation or tissue change at or near the puncture tract.
• Bleeding or overgrowth of tissue around the device.
• Persistent pain or discomfort in the region of the Vega voice prosthesis.
• Chronic cough, trouble breathing, or blood in the mucus. These can be signs of a serious health
conditions that requires medical attention.
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