Passy-Muir Inc.

Tracheostomy & Ventilator Swallowing and Speaking Valves

Aspiration: Inhalation of any foreign matter, such as food, drink, saliva, or stomach contents (as after vomiting) into the airway below the level of the vocal cords.

Closed Position "No Leak": Design pertaining to the PMV. The PMV opens on inhalation and automatically closes at the end of inhalation. It remains closed without air leak during exhalation. This restores a closed respiratory system and a more normal breathing pattern to the PMV user.

Cuff Deflation: The act of removing air from the cuff of a tracheostomy tube.

Diaphragm: A thin, dome-shaped muscle, important in breathing; separates stomach and chest cavities.

Hub (15mm): The part of the tracheostomy tube that adapts to standard respiratory equipment, such as a ventilator.

Humidifier: A device that provides moisture to the air we breathe.

Lower Airway: That portion of the respiratory tract beginning at the larynx (voice box) and ending at the smallest units in the lungs.

Peak Inspiratory Pressure (PIP): A measurement of pressure in the lungs at the end of the inspiratory phase of ventilation. It is reflected on the airway pressure manometer of the ventilator.

Pilot Balloon: Plastic sack-like component connected to the inflation line and luer valve of the tracheostomy tube which allows for inflation and deflation of the cuff.

Pulse Oximeter: Device which measures the oxygen saturation level of arterial blood when placed on finger, toe, or ear.

Suction: Removal of gas or fluid (secretions) by mechanical means.

Tracheostomy: An artificial opening in the trachea that facilitates the passage of air and removal of secretions.

Upper Airway: That portion of the respiratory tract beginning at the mouth and nose and ending at the larynx (voice box).