Open AccessAn automatic water-occluding device to enable laryngectomee participation in water activities
Author(s) -
Samantha K. Denning,
Michael A. Valleau,
William J. Pelowski,
Claire M. Chaisson,
Kelli E. Grimes,
Byron D. Erath
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
plos one
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.99
H-Index - 332
ISSN - 1932-6203
DOI - 10.1371/journal.pone.0257463
Subject(s) - laryngectomy , submersion (mathematics) , accidental , airway , medicine , surgery , mathematical analysis , physics , mathematics , larynx , acoustics , differentiable function
Individuals with a laryngectomy face a host of challenges ranging from restricted vocal communication to significant lifestyle modifications associated with breathing through a stoma. Although there are significant mental and physical health benefits achieved by returning to recreational pursuits that were enjoyed pre-surgery, there can be significant obstacles in doing so. One particular challenge arises during participation in water activities (e.g, fishing, boating, etc.) where accidental submersion poses a significant risk of drowning. This manuscript describes a proof-of-concept device that protects the airway from accidental incursion of water into the airway during unanticipated submersion in water, thereby allowing laryngectomees to return to participation in water activities. The device is designed to be worn comfortably for long periods of time, while not interfering with the common methods of replacement speech that are utilized post-laryngectomy.