Clinical Research and Publications
Clinical Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Clinician 1: How is the Shikani Speaking Valve™ different from other valves?
The unique design of the Shikani Speaking Valve™ caters to patients depending on their unique circumstances. The design translates to numerous clinical benefits for your patients.
Example candidates for the “biased open” position:
Patients with unique anatomy (e.g. stenosis, partial airway obstruction) that cannot tolerate every breath going through the upper airway, patients with severely compromised respiratory function, and patients that are anxious about using a speaking valve are good candidates for the biased open position. This position is also excellent for pediatric patients, because it allows for easier introduction to the valve.
Example candidates for the “biased closed” position:
Patients who can tolerate every breath going through the upper airway, patients who are weaning from their tracheostomy tube, patients who are receiving nutrition by mouth, and patients who wish to speak for extended periods of time are good candidates for the biased closed position.
Clinician 2: What are the benefits of the Shikani Speaking Valve™?
- Significantly lower airflow resistance, resulting in increased comfort, tolerance, and ease of breathing. Many patients who cannot use or have trouble using other traditional speaking valves can quickly adapt to and tolerate the SSV.
- Superior voice quality and speech naturalness.
- Superior olfaction.
- More effective cough.
- Improved swallowing.
- The valve’s discreet, low-profile design (smaller than flapper valves).
- The valve’s ability to be used in unison with a heat moisture exchanger (HME), allowing effective speech and humidification, warming, and filtration of air at the same time.
Clinician 3: How often does the valve need to be replaced?
Clinician 4: What are the benefits of the Shikani HME™?
- More normalized and uniform temperature levels from inhaled air.
- More normalized and uniform humidity levels from inhaled air.
- Substantially increased particle filtration from inhaled air.
- Reduced mucus secretion and thickening.
- Reduced risk of pulmonary infection, a costly procedure to both patients and hospitals.
- Restored pulmonary conditions and health.
Clinician 5: How do the Shikani Speaking Valve™ and Shikani HME™ work together?
Positioning the two devices so that they can work together is fairly simple. If you have a cuffed tracheostomy tube, make sure to deflate the cuff completely. Then, place the Shikani Speaking Valve™ with the notch up in the 12:00 o’clock position (“biased open”). Place the Shikani HME™ on top of the valve.
The combination of these two devices can greatly enhance the pulmonary health of your tracheotomy patients.
Clinician 6: How often does the HME need to be replaced?
Instructional Videos
Instructional presentation for clinicians detailing the advantages of the Shikani Speaking Valve™. | |
Instructional presentation for clinicians detailing the advantages of the Shikani HME™. | |
Long-form instructional video for clinicians detailing the advantages of the Shikani Speaking Valve™. | |
Long-form instructional video for clinicians detailing the advantages of the Shikani HME™. |
Get more detail on the Shikani Speaking Valve™ and the Shikani HME™.