Passy Muir
Ben Got his passy muir valve (PMV) on 21st July 2005, (todays date 25th July 2005). Its still a bit of a struggle trying to get him to keep it on for 10 seconds at the most, he pulls everything off, his thermovent and trachy gaurd and now the passy muir (PMV). He has to be totaly entertained with something other than the 'new' toy. Like clapping hands, going for a walk with me or daddy holding his hands, singing etc..
It really is brilliant to hear your child make such noises that you have never experienced before, and Ben is now 18 months!!! (25/07/05), we have never heared him laugh, cry, say mama or dada. It is so funny with the passy muir, when he has the valve on he cannot keep quiet and blowing bubbles and when it comes off there is silence all of a sudden, but his lips are still going.
Below we explain a few bits about the Passy muir valve (PMV) and how it works:
All Passy-Muir Valves (PMVs) offer the benefits of the patented, closed position "No Leak" design. The Passy-Muir Valves easily attach to the standard 15mm tracheostomy tube hub. All valves come packaged in a comprehensive PMV Patient Care Kit and are Medicare, Medicaid and MediCal reimbursable.
The PMVs are the only speaking valves that have been research validated for all of the following benefits:
Restores Positive Airway Pressure: Due to the closed position "No Leak" design of the PMVs and the more normal closed respiratory system it creates, positive airway pressure is restored. This in turn promotes louder voice, improved swallow, stronger cough, and increased oxygenation.
Superior Voice/Speech Production: Patients can produce clearer voice with more normal phrasing, better vocal quality and increased volume because all exhaled airflow is redirected up past the vocal cords.
Improves Swallow & May Reduce Aspiration: The closed position "No Leak" design of the PMVs restores the patient to more normal physiology. This design facilitates increased pharyngeal/ laryngeal sensation and restores subglottic air pressures which improves swallow and may reduce aspiration.
In-Line Ventilator Use: Adult, pediatric and neonatal ventilator dependent patients can utilize the PMV during mechanical ventilation. All PMVs are interchangeable and can be used both on or off acute care and portable ventilators
How to use the Passy-Muir Speaking Valve:
Suction the tracheostomy tube as needed before placing the valve. It may not be possible to use the valve if your child has lots of secretions or very thick secretions.
If the tracheostomy tube has a cuff, deflate it (to remove the air from it) before placing the valve. Suction your child’s mouth and nose as needed before deflating the cuff.
Attach the valve to the top of the tracheostomy tube with a twisting motion to the right (clockwise) approximately ¼ turn. This will prevent it from popping off with coughing.
To remove the valve, twist off to the left (counter clockwise).
Special considerations:
Humidity can be used with the valve in place.
Oxygen can be given with the valve in place.
Remove the valve during aerosol treatments. If it is left on, remove it and rinse it to remove any medications that could cause the valve to stick or not work well.
Care of the valve:
Clean the valve daily with mild soapy water. (Ivory is suggested.)
Rinse thoroughly with cool to warm water. Do not use hot water as it may damage the valve.
Let the valve air dry completely before using it again.
Do not use a brush, vinegar, peroxide, bleach, or alcohol on the valve.
Replace the valve when it becomes sticky, noisy, or vibrates.
Safety precautions:
Your child should not use the valve while sleeping.
The valve should only be used in the direct presence of persons who know how it works and how to correctly use it.
Remove the valve immediately if your child has difficulty breathing. Suction and/or change the tracheostomy tube if needed.
The entire manufacturer’s instruction booklet must be read prior to using the Passy-Muir Valve on your child.
