Valve obturation of the nasopharynx.
Complete obturation of the nasopharynx can cause functional problems with breathing and swallowing due to obstruction of the nasal airway. A technique is described whereby a one way valve was incorporated in an obturator to allow normal nasal inspiration whilst maintaining an oropharyngeal seal during swallowing and speech.
Toeg
A
A
Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, Queen Victoria Hospital, East Grinstead, West Sussex, UK.
Pratt
G
G
Brown
A E
AE
D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery; D003679:Deglutition / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D001239:Inhalation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015508:Nasal Obstruction / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D009305:Nasopharynx / Q000502:physiology; D009960:Oropharynx / Q000502:physiology; D010158:Palatal Obturators; D010160:Palate, Soft / Q000601:surgery; D010611:Pharyngectomy / Q000534:rehabilitation; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D012119:Respiration / Q000502:physiology*; D013060:Speech / Q000502:physiology; D014067:Tonsillar Neoplasms / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery; D014139:Tracheostomy / Q000295:instrumentation