title: Microwave-cured tracheostoma vents.
abstract: This article describes a technique of making custom flexible and combined flexible/rigid tracheostoma vents. The combined flexible rigid tracheostoma vent provides a flexible material that is nonirritating in the peristomial region and maintains a patent tracheostoma by the rigidity of the hard acrylic resin section. The flexible tracheostoma vent can be easily inserted and is more comfortable than the rigid commercially available tracheostomy tube. The use of microwave-cured materials permits fabrication during a single visit. The steps involved in the fabrication of the tracheostoma vents are simple and require no elaborate laboratory equipment.
authors.affiliation: Regional Center for Maxillofacial Prosthetic Rehabilitation, Eye and Ear Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pa.
authors.forename: R E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: McKinstry
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Zini
authors.forename: Q C
authors.initials: QC
authors.lastname: Beery
mesh_terms: D000180:Acrylic Resins / Q000737:chemistry*; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry*; D004129:Dimethylpolysiloxanes; D004548:Elasticity; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D008872:Microwaves; D012826:Silicone Elastomers / Q000737:chemistry*; D013499:Surface Properties; D014135:Tracheal Stenosis / Q000517:prevention & control; D014139:Tracheostomy / Q000295:instrumentation*
chemical_list: D000180:Acrylic Resins; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D004129:Dimethylpolysiloxanes; C020964:MDX 4-4210; D012826:Silicone Elastomers