Artificial larynx capable of normally sounding after total laryngeal resection

Abstract

The invention discloses an artificial larynx capable of normally sounding after total laryngeal resection, which comprises a larynx body, a first epiglottis and a second epiglottis are respectively hinged to two sides of the top end of the larynx body through shaft joints, and a connecting mechanism and a movable mechanism are respectively mounted at the upper part and the lower part of the interior of the larynx body. According to the principle that homopolar magnets are mutually detached, mutual detaching force always exists between the two corresponding magnets, so that a certain gap is always kept between the blocking blade and the inner wall of the throat body, smooth breathing is always kept under any body position, the first epiglottis gradually falls down backwards through contraction of upper, middle and lower contractive muscles of the pharynx, and the first epiglottis is prevented from falling down. Under the action of the first rod body, the second rod body and the third rod body, the second epiglottis falls down forwards, so that the first epiglottis and the second epiglottis are overlapped above the larynx body, the upper part of the artificial larynx is sealed, food is prevented from entering the trachea, and serious symptoms such as mistaken pharynx or bucking are avoided.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of artificial larynx, in particular to a normal sound artificial larynx after total laryngectomy. BACKGROUND

[0002] Total laryngectomy is an effective means for treating advanced laryngeal cancer, and life can be saved after the whole larynx is removed by surgery, but the whole larynx is removed, which brings obvious side effects. Humans have developed a variety of artificial larynx, and in the future, it is expected to develop a better and more ideal artificial larynx for laryngeal cancer after laryngectomy, such as mechanical artificial larynx, electronic artificial larynx, implantable artificial larynx and wearable artificial larynx,

[0003] However, these artificial larynx have more or less some defects, such as mechanical artificial larynx attached to the front of the neck, which is not aesthetic, the voice is monotonous and not pleasant to hear, and the water condensation is easy to use in winter; the electronic artificial larynx sounds a little mechanical and not human; the implantable artificial larynx is expensive, and only a few hospitals in China can operate; the wearable artificial larynx cannot change the tracheal stump exposed in the middle of the neck;

[0004] Therefore, how to ensure that the patient after total laryngectomy can breathe normally, eat and drink without mis-swallowing or frequent choking, close to normal speaking voice and tracheal stump not exposed in the middle of the neck is a problem to be solved by the present application. SUMMARY

[0005] In view of the deficiencies of the prior art, the present application provides a normal sound artificial larynx after total laryngectomy, which solves the problem that the normal sound artificial larynx after total laryngectomy in the prior art cannot ensure that the patient after total laryngectomy can breathe normally, eat and drink without mis-swallowing or frequent choking, close to normal speaking voice and tracheal stump not exposed in the middle of the neck.

[0006] To achieve the above purpose, the present application is realized by the following technical scheme: a normal sound artificial larynx after total laryngectomy, comprising a larynx body, first epiglottis and second epiglottis are respectively hinged on both sides of the top end of the larynx body through shaft joints, upper and lower suture holes are respectively machined on the front end face of the larynx body, a connecting mechanism and a moving mechanism are respectively installed inside the larynx body;

[0007] The connecting mechanism comprises a first rod body hinged to the inner wall below the first epiglottis through a shaft joint, the inner wall below the second epiglottis is hinged to a second rod body through a shaft joint, and a third rod body is hinged between the first rod body and the second rod body through a shaft joint, and a limiting component is installed at the bottom end of the first rod body.

[0008] Preferably, the limiting component comprises a fourth rod body hinged to the inner wall below the first epiglottis through an axle joint, a first magnet fixed to the end of the first rod body away from the first epiglottis, a second magnet fixed to the end of the fourth rod body away from the first epiglottis, and the second magnet repels the first magnet.

[0009] Preferably, the limiting component comprises a steel wire spring connected to the inner side of the front wall of the first epiglottis and the laryngeal body, and the steel wire spring keeps the first epiglottis and the second epiglottis in a spatial position of upward or upward through the first rod body, the second rod body and the third rod body.

[0010] Preferably, the movable mechanism comprises a first wall plate hinged to the middle inner wall of the laryngeal body through an axle joint, a first blocking blade hinged to the bottom end of the first wall plate through an axle joint, a first metal crossbar fixed to the inner wall of the laryngeal body above the outer side of the first blocking blade, a fourth magnet fixed to the bottom end of the outer wall of the first blocking blade, a fifth magnet fixed to the inner wall of the laryngeal body on the outer side of the fourth magnet, and the fifth magnet repels the fourth magnet.

[0011] Preferably, the movable mechanism comprises a second wall plate hinged to the middle inner wall of both sides of the laryngeal body through an axle joint, a second blocking blade hinged to the bottom end of the second wall plate through an axle joint, a second metal crossbar fixed to the inner wall of the laryngeal body above the outer side of the second blocking blade, and the bottom end of the outer wall of a pair of second blocking blades is fixed with fifth magnets repelling each other.

[0012] Preferably, the inner part of the front and rear ends of the laryngeal body is processed with an upper pipe and a lower pipe, and a metal chip is arranged at the position where the upper pipe and the lower pipe communicate with each other in the middle part.

[0013] Advantages

[0014] The present application provides a full laryngectomy artificial larynx for normal voice, which has the following advantages:

[0015] According to the principle of repulsion between homopolar magnets, there is always a repulsive force between the two corresponding magnets, so that the blocking blade and the inner wall of the laryngeal body always maintain a certain gap, ensuring smooth breathing in any body position;

[0016] The first epiglottis is also gradually turned down by the successive contraction of the upper, middle and lower pharyngeal constrictor muscles and the contraction of the base of the tongue. When the first epiglottis is turned down, the second epiglottis is also turned down forward by the action of the first, second and third rod bodies, so that the first epiglottis and the second epiglottis form an overlap above the laryngeal body. The overlap of the first epiglottis and the second epiglottis results in the closure of the upper part of the artificial larynx, which prevents food from entering the trachea and causes no serious symptoms such as mis-swallowing or choking. After the swallowing action is completed, the first epiglottis and the second epiglottis return to the positions before swallowing.

[0017] When the patient needs to speak, i.e. needs to make a sound, the air is suddenly blown with increased force. At this time, the two blocking blades are forced to approach each other due to the strong air pressure from below the trachea, and the mutual approach of the two blades eventually results in occlusion. At this time, the air pressure below the blades is further increased, so that the air has to enter the lower tube through the lower hole of the sound-producing structure and pass through the metal core. A large amount of air passing through the metal core at this time can produce a sound. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 It is a structural schematic diagram of the present application.

[0019] Figure 2 It is a sectional view of one embodiment of the present application. Figure 1

[0020] Figure 3 It is a sectional view of one embodiment of the present application. Figure 1

[0021] Figure 4 It is a partial enlarged schematic diagram in the present application. Figure 2

[0022] Figure 5 It is a partial enlarged schematic diagram in the present application. Figure 3

[0023] Figure 6 It is a partial variation schematic diagram of one embodiment of the present application. Figure 1

[0024] Figure 7 It is a partial bottom view sectional view of the present application. Figure 1

[0025] Figure 8 It is a partial bottom view sectional view of the present application. Figure 1

[0026] ​​​​​​​In the diagram: 1. Laryngeal body; 2. First epiglottis; 3. Second epiglottis; 4. Upper suture hole; 5. Lower suture hole; 6. First rod; 7. Second rod; 8. Third rod; 9. First magnet; 10. Fourth rod; 11. Second magnet; 12. Third magnet; 13. Steel wire spring; 14. First wall panel; 15. First blocking blade; 16. First metal crossbar; 17. Fourth magnet; 18. Fifth magnet; 19. Second wall panel; 20. Second blocking blade; 21. Second metal crossbar; 22. Fifth magnet; 23. Upper tube; 24. Lower tube; 25. Metal chip. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0028] Example 1

[0029] Please see Figure 1 , 2 4, 7 and 8, the present invention provides a technical solution: an artificial larynx for normal voice production after total laryngectomy, comprising a laryngeal body 1, wherein a first epiglottis 2 and a second epiglottis 3 are respectively hinged to the top two sides of the laryngeal body 1 via axial joints, and an upper suture hole 4 and a lower suture hole 5 are respectively machined on the upper and lower sides of the front end surface of the laryngeal body 1, and a connecting mechanism and a movable mechanism are respectively installed on the upper and lower sides of the interior of the laryngeal body 1.

[0030] The laryngeal body 1 is slightly rectangular in shape, with the four corners of the laryngeal cavity being blunt. Its anteroposterior diameter is 2.5 cm, its lateral diameter is 3.2 cm, and its vertical length is 4.0 cm. The anteroposterior diameter of the inner side of the laryngeal cavity is 2.3 cm, and its lateral diameter is also 2.2 cm. The upper sides are slightly curved, which makes it easier for the epiglottis to cover the entrance above the larynx.

[0031] The connecting mechanism includes a first rod 6 that is hinged to the lower inner wall of the first epiglottis 2 via a shaft joint, a second rod 7 that is hinged to the lower inner wall of the second epiglottis 2 via a shaft joint, and a third rod 8 that is hinged between the first rod 6 and the second rod 7 via a shaft joint. A limiting component is installed at the bottom end of the first rod 6.

[0032] The first epiglottis 2 is a leaf-shaped thin sheet with its convex side facing up and its concave side facing down. The part connecting it to the larynx 1 has a straight edge, while the other parts are similar to a semicircle, measuring 2.5 x 2.0 cm. The second epiglottis 3 is also a leaf-shaped thin sheet with its convex side facing up and its concave side facing down, with a straight edge and a semicircle, measuring 2.5 x 1.5 cm. There is a certain gap between the first epiglottis 2 and the second epiglottis 3, with a gap width of 0.5 cm. There are also large gaps on the sides to ensure the airflow required by the human body.

[0033] In this embodiment, the limiting component is further configured such that the limiting component includes a fourth rod 10 hinged to the inner wall below the first epiglottis 2 via a shaft joint, a first magnet 9 is fixedly connected to the end of the first rod 6 away from the first epiglottis 2, a second magnet 11 is fixedly connected to the end of the fourth rod 10 away from the first epiglottis 2, and the second magnet 11 and the first magnet 9 are like poles and repel each other, and a third magnet 12 is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the upper end of the throat 1, and the third magnet 12 and the second magnet 11 are like poles and repel each other;

[0034] The first magnet 9, the second magnet 11, and the third magnet 12 are all 1.0 x 0.2 cm in size, flat at the front and thick at the back. The second magnet 11 and the first magnet 9 are like poles and repel each other, while the third magnet 12 and the second magnet 11 are like poles and repel each other. In this way, there is always a mutual repulsive force between the three magnets, and the first rod 6 has an additional upward thrust. As a result, the first epiglottis 2 and the second epiglottis 3 can maintain their backward and upward spatial positions, and also ensure that the position of the epiglottis does not change significantly when the human body moves in various directions or lies flat or on its side, so as not to cause symptoms of difficulty breathing.

[0035] In this embodiment, the movable mechanism includes a first wall plate 14 hinged to the inner wall of the throat body 1 via a shaft joint. The bottom end of the first wall plate 14 is hinged to a first blocking blade 15 via a shaft joint. A first metal crossbar 16, which is fixed to the inner wall of the throat body 1, is attached to the upper outer side of the first blocking blade 15. A fourth magnet 17 is fixed to the outer wall of the bottom end of the first blocking blade 15. A fifth magnet 18, which is fixed to the inner wall of the throat body 1, is provided on the outer side of the fourth magnet 17. The fifth magnet 18 and the fourth magnet 17 are like poles and repel each other.

[0036] The first metal crossbar 16 can block and limit the first blocking blade 15. The fourth magnet 17 and the fifth magnet 18 are 1.0 x 0.1 cm in size, and the distance between the two magnets is 0.6 cm. According to the principle of mutual repulsion of like magnets, there is always a mutual repulsion force between the two magnets, so that a certain gap is always maintained between the first blocking blade 15 and the inner wall of the throat body 1, ensuring that breathing is always unobstructed in any body position. It should be noted that the mutual repulsion force between the two magnets is very weak, so weak that the distance between the two magnets is just 0.6 cm.

[0037] In this embodiment, the throat body 1 is further configured such that an upper tube 23 and a lower tube 24 are machined inside both the front and rear ends, and a metal chip 25 is provided at the middle part where the upper tube 23 and the lower tube 24 communicate with each other.

[0038] The upper tube 23 and the lower tube 24 have a diameter of 0.5cm. The upper tube 23 is located above the blocking blade, and the lower tube 24 is located below the blocking blade. At the same time, a pipe is processed inside the throat body 1. The upper tube 23 and the lower tube 24 are connected to two pipes of the same diameter inside the side wall of the throat body 1. The rear edge of the upper tube 23 and the front edge of the lower tube 24 are on the same parallel line. The diameters of the upper tube 23 and the lower tube 24 are 0.5cm (3.2-2.2 / 2). The upper tube 23 and the lower tube 24 are connected to each other by 1cm in the middle. There is a metal chip 25 that can produce sound at the connection point. The principle of this device is the same as that of a general speaker device. This is the sound-producing device of the artificial throat. There are such sound-producing devices on the two side walls of each artificial throat, that is, there are two sound-producing devices.

[0039] Example 2

[0040] Please see Figure 1 , 4 6, 7 and 8, the present invention provides a technical solution: an artificial larynx for normal voice production after total laryngectomy, comprising a laryngeal body 1, wherein a first epiglottis 2 and a second epiglottis 3 are respectively hinged to the top two sides of the laryngeal body 1 via axial joints, and an upper suture hole 4 and a lower suture hole 5 are respectively machined on the upper and lower sides of the front end surface of the laryngeal body 1, and a connecting mechanism and a movable mechanism are respectively installed on the upper and lower sides of the interior of the laryngeal body 1.

[0041] The connecting mechanism includes a first rod 6 hinged to the lower inner wall of the first epiglottis 2 via a shaft joint, a second rod 7 hinged to the lower inner wall of the second epiglottis 2 via a shaft joint, and a third rod 8 hinged between the first rod 6 and the second rod 7 via a shaft joint. A limiting component is installed at the bottom end of the first rod 6.

[0042] In this embodiment, the limiting component includes a wire spring 13 connected to the inner side of the front wall of the first epiglottis 2 and the larynx 1, and the wire spring 13 keeps the first epiglottis 2 and the second epiglottis 3 in a backward and upward or forward and upward spatial position through the first rod 6, the second rod 7 and the third rod 8.

[0043] A wire spring 13 can be set across the inner side of the front wall of the first epiglottis 2 and the throat 1. This wire spring 13 keeps the first epiglottis 2 always tilted upward and backward, and through the first rod 6, the second rod 7 and the third rod 8, the first epiglottis 2 and the second epiglottis 3 can always maintain a backward and upward or forward and upward spatial position.

[0044] In this embodiment, the movable mechanism includes a first wall plate 14 hinged to the inner wall of the throat body 1 via a shaft joint. A first blocking blade 15 is hinged to the bottom end of the first wall plate 14 via a shaft joint. A first metal crossbar 16, which is fixed to the inner wall of the throat body 1, is attached to the upper outer side of the first blocking blade 15. A fourth magnet 17 is fixed to the outer wall of the bottom end of the first blocking blade 15. A fifth magnet 18, which is fixed to the inner wall of the throat body 1, is provided on the outer side of the fourth magnet 17. The fifth magnet 18 and the fourth magnet 17 are like poles and repel each other.

[0045] In this embodiment, the throat body 1 is further configured such that an upper tube 23 and a lower tube 24 are machined inside both the front and rear ends, and a metal chip 25 is provided at the middle of the upper tube 23 and the lower tube 24 where they communicate with each other.

[0046] Example 3

[0047] Please see Figure 1 , 3 5, 7 and 8, the present invention provides a technical solution: an artificial larynx for normal voice production after total laryngectomy, comprising a laryngeal body 1, wherein a first epiglottis 2 and a second epiglottis 3 are respectively hinged to the top two sides of the laryngeal body 1 via axial joints, and an upper suture hole 4 and a lower suture hole 5 are respectively machined on the upper and lower sides of the front end surface of the laryngeal body 1, and a connecting mechanism and a movable mechanism are respectively installed on the upper and lower sides of the interior of the laryngeal body 1.

[0048] The connecting mechanism includes a first rod 6 hinged to the lower inner wall of the first epiglottis 2 via a shaft joint, a second rod 7 hinged to the lower inner wall of the second epiglottis 2 via a shaft joint, and a third rod 8 hinged between the first rod 6 and the second rod 7 via a shaft joint. A limiting component is installed at the bottom end of the first rod 6.

[0049] In this embodiment, the limiting component includes a fourth rod 10 hinged to the inner wall below the first epiglottis 2 via a shaft joint. A first magnet 9 is fixed to the end of the first rod 6 away from the first epiglottis 2. A second magnet 11 is fixed to the end of the fourth rod 10 away from the first epiglottis 2, and the second magnet 11 and the first magnet 9 are like poles and repel each other. A third magnet 12 is fixed to the inner wall of the upper end of the throat 1, and the third magnet 12 and the second magnet 11 are like poles and repel each other.

[0050] In this embodiment, the movable mechanism includes a second wall plate 19 that is hinged to the inner wall of the throat body 1 on both sides via a shaft joint. The bottom end of the second wall plate 19 is hinged to a second blocking blade 20 via a shaft joint. A second metal crossbar 21 that is fixed to the inner wall of the throat body 1 is attached to the upper outer side of the second blocking blade 20. A fifth magnet 22 with the same pole repulsion is fixed to the outer wall of the bottom end of a pair of second blocking blades 20.

[0051] The second metal crossbar 21 limits the second blocking blade 20. The fifth magnet 22 is 1.0 x 0.1 cm in size. The distance between the two magnets is 0.6 cm and their facing surfaces are of the same pole. According to the principle of mutual repulsion of like-pole magnets, there is always a mutual repulsion force between the two magnets, so that the second blocking blade 20 always maintains a certain gap, ensuring that the human body can always breathe smoothly in any position. It should also be noted that the mutual repulsion force between the two magnets is very weak, so weak that the distance between the two magnets is just 0.6 cm.

[0052] In this embodiment, the throat body 1 is further configured such that an upper tube 23 and a lower tube 24 are machined inside both the front and rear ends, and a metal chip 25 is provided at the middle of the upper tube 23 and the lower tube 24 where they communicate with each other.

[0053] Example 4

[0054] Please see Figure 1 , 5 6, 7 and 8, the present invention provides a technical solution: an artificial larynx for normal voice production after total laryngectomy, comprising a laryngeal body 1, wherein a first epiglottis 2 and a second epiglottis 3 are respectively hinged to the top two sides of the laryngeal body 1 via axial joints, and an upper suture hole 4 and a lower suture hole 5 are respectively machined on the upper and lower sides of the front end surface of the laryngeal body 1, and a connecting mechanism and a movable mechanism are respectively installed on the upper and lower sides of the interior of the laryngeal body 1.

[0055] The connecting mechanism includes a first rod 6 hinged to the lower inner wall of the first epiglottis 2 via a shaft joint, a second rod 7 hinged to the lower inner wall of the second epiglottis 2 via a shaft joint, and a third rod 8 hinged between the first rod 6 and the second rod 7 via a shaft joint. A limiting component is installed at the bottom end of the first rod 6.

[0056] In this embodiment, the limiting component includes a wire spring 13 connected to the inner side of the front wall of the first epiglottis 2 and the throat body 1, and the wire spring 13 keeps the first epiglottis 2 and the second epiglottis 3 in a backward-upward or forward-upward spatial position through the first rod 6, the second rod 7 and the third rod 8.

[0057] In this embodiment, the movable mechanism includes a second wall plate 19 that is hinged to the inner wall of the throat body 1 on both sides via a shaft joint. The bottom end of the second wall plate 19 is hinged to a second blocking blade 20 via a shaft joint. A second metal crossbar 21 that is fixed to the inner wall of the throat body 1 is attached to the upper outer side of the second blocking blade 20. A fifth magnet 22 with the same pole repulsion is fixed to the outer wall of the bottom end of a pair of second blocking blades 20.

[0058] In this embodiment, the throat body 1 is further configured such that an upper tube 23 and a lower tube 24 are machined inside both the front and rear ends, and a metal chip 25 is provided at the middle of the upper tube 23 and the lower tube 24 where they communicate with each other.

[0059] It is worth noting that all standard parts used in this invention can be purchased commercially, and irregularly shaped parts can be custom-made according to the description and drawings. Any content not described in detail in this specification is prior art known to those skilled in the art.

[0060] Those skilled in the art can connect the components in this case sequentially. The specific connection and operation sequence should refer to the working principle described below. The detailed connection methods are well-known technologies in the field. The working principle and process are mainly described below.

[0061] Explanation of the operating principle of an artificial larynx:

[0062] respiratory function

[0063] A cross-sectional area of ​​1.2 cm² or more is generally sufficient for human tracheostomy. Currently, the largest tracheostomy tube used clinically is size 12, meaning an inner diameter of 1.2 cm is sufficient. When the inner diameter of the tracheostomy tube reaches 1.2 cm, its radius is 0.6 cm. At this point, the area of ​​the tracheostomy tube is S = πR. 2 The formula can calculate 1.13cm 2 In other words, the cross-sectional area of ​​any part of the artificial larynx, from top to bottom, must exceed 1.5 cm². 2The above conditions ensure sufficient airway patency for the artificial larynx. There is a 0.5cm gap between the first epiglottis (2) and the second epiglottis (3), and a large lateral gap formed by these two structures. In our designed artificial larynx, the upper part of the larynx provides a sufficiently wide airway during quiet breathing, and the cavity size is approximately 2.3 x 2.2 = 5.06cm. 2 Subtracting the space occupied by the first rod 6, the second rod 7, the third rod 8, and the magnet (0.785 cm²), 2 ,(S=πR 2 It can also guarantee a size greater than 4cm. 2 With the above cross-sectional area, the artificial larynx has sufficient cross-sectional area to ensure unobstructed breathing;

[0064] swallowing function

[0065] After total laryngectomy, swallowing function is generally fine if voice production is not a concern. However, swallowing becomes crucial when an artificial larynx is created. Many efforts have been made to preserve voice production after total laryngectomy. The most typical surgeries are cricopharyngeal anastomosis or cricohyoid anastomosis, and esophagotracheostomy. However, cricopharyngeal anastomosis or cricohyoid anastomosis is rarely performed because it introduces food or saliva directly into the trachea, potentially leading to recurrent coughing or aspiration pneumonia. Therefore, esophagotracheostomy is currently the most common and widely accepted voice production surgery. The advantage of esophagotracheostomy is that vocalization is relatively easier and clearer, unlike total laryngectomy which requires training to produce a clear and rough sound. Moreover, esophagotracheostomy still cannot overcome the presence of a tracheal fistula in the anterior neck. To overcome these problems, we designed an artificial larynx with two epiglottises above it, namely the first epiglottis 2 and the second epiglottis 3, as well as some related structures. When people swallow, two muscle groups assist in the swallowing action. One of these muscle groups is the levator pharyngeus group, which includes the stylopharyngeal muscle, the palatopharyngeal muscle, and the eustachian tube muscle. The levator pharyngeus muscle is located at the styloid process, eustachian tube, and posterior pharyngeal wall. The muscles are distributed longitudinally. When the levator pharynx contracts, it elevates the pharynx, relaxes the pharynx, closes the laryngeal opening, and opens the piriform fossa to facilitate swallowing. Another muscle group, the pharyngeal constrictor muscle group, includes the superior pharyngeal constrictor, middle pharyngeal constrictor, and inferior pharyngeal constrictor muscles. These muscles are located on the lateral and posterior walls of the pharynx. The two groups of pharyngeal constrictor muscles are corresponding and symmetrically distributed. They originate from the pharyngeal suture at the midline of the posterior pharyngeal wall and are all innervated by the vagus nerve. The function of the pharyngeal constrictor muscles is to squeeze food into the esophagus by contracting the superior, middle, and inferior constrictor muscles of the pharynx sequentially from top to bottom during eating. In other words, each swallowing action involves a lifting and pressing motion of the larynx. These two movements guide food downwards and into the esophagus, completing the swallowing process. When a total laryngectomy is performed and an artificial larynx is installed, because the artificial larynx is located in the trachea or upper cricoid cartilage and is sutured to surrounding tissues, its position remains the same as the original larynx. After total laryngectomy and the installation of an artificial larynx, the levator palpebrae superioris muscles can still lift the artificial larynx upwards during swallowing, similar to how the levator palpebrae superioris muscles lift the original larynx. Furthermore, the superior, middle, and inferior pharyngeal constrictors work in sequence... The first epiglottis 2, which contracts with the base of the tongue, is gradually tilted backward. As the first epiglottis 2 tilts backward, the second epiglottis 3 also tilts forward under the action of the first rod 6, the second rod 7, and the third rod 8. This causes the first epiglottis 2 and the second epiglottis 3 to overlap above the larynx 1. The overlap of the first epiglottis 2 and the second epiglottis 3 will cause the upper part of the artificial larynx to be closed, thus preventing food from entering the trachea and avoiding serious symptoms such as aspiration or choking. After the swallowing action is completed, the first epiglottis 2 and the second epiglottis 3 return to their positions before swallowing. Of course, this process also requires a certain amount of training and adaptation time.

[0066] Voice function

[0067] Among the many functions of an artificial larynx, the vocal function is particularly important. This vocal function needs to be performed under extremely demanding conditions: maintaining unobstructed breathing and good swallowing function, ensuring the larynx cannot produce sound when needed, and being able to produce sound only when required. Furthermore, it must also possess a certain degree of coughing ability before it can be applied to a human. First and foremost, an artificial larynx must fulfill its vocal function. We know that human speech is the result of multiple factors working together. The prerequisite for speech is that the larynx can produce sound. Subsequently, the articulatory organs, such as the oral cavity, lips, mandible, teeth, hard palate, soft palate, tongue, pharynx, and tongue root, work together precisely under the control of the central nervous system to achieve this. After total laryngectomy, because... The entire larynx, including the vocal cords, is removed, so no sound can be produced. However, the articulatory organs are not damaged. For example, the connections between the articulatory organs such as the mouth, lips, jaw, teeth, hard palate, soft palate, tongue, pharynx, and root of the tongue and the central nervous system remain intact. This means that as long as the larynx can produce sound, a person can speak normally. The currently highly recommended tracheoesophagectomy is also based on this principle. When a person makes a forceful exhalation with a tracheostomy opening in the middle of the neck, the air pressure in the trachea suddenly increases. This causes the gas in the trachea to flow suddenly into the esophagus through the vocal cords at the tracheoesophageal fistula or through a tube sutured with a muscle-mucosal flap. The gas then overflows along the esophagus to the esophageal inlet and reaches the hypopharynx, producing the sound effect.Similarly, with the proper placement of a suitable vocal device within the artificial larynx, patients with an artificial larynx can also achieve good vocalization. The principle is as follows: When a patient with an artificial larynx breathes calmly, the magnets between the two obstructing blades, or between the magnet of one obstructing blade and the magnet on the anterior wall, are of the same polarity, such as N-N or SS poles. Therefore, a repulsive force is generated between the two poles, maintaining a certain distance between them. This prevents breathing difficulties in any position. When the patient needs to speak, i.e., needs to produce sound, a sudden, forceful exhalation forces the two obstructing blades closer together due to the strong air pressure from below the trachea. This closer proximity ultimately leads to… When the air is blocked, the air pressure below the blade increases further, forcing air to enter the lower tube 24 through the lower hole of the sound-producing structure and pass through the metal core 25. The sudden passage of a large amount of air through the metal core 25 produces sound. The air then passes through the upper tube 23 and the upper hole to reach the lower pharynx. Because two sound-producing devices are installed on the two side walls of the larynx 1, these devices can produce male or female voices based on acoustic principles. The principle of a sound-producing device formed by a blocking blade, a magnet, and a magnet on the anterior wall is similar and will be omitted here. It should be noted that the two tubes of the sound-producing device are always within the pharyngeal cavity and do not directly contact the dry air outside. Therefore, it will not produce crusts or phlegm plugs like those formed after a tracheotomy. It maintains a physiological state similar to the lumen of a bronchus or bronchioles, which can be coughed up directly when necessary.

[0068] Changes in the morphology of the artificial larynx

[0069] In addition, there are many small holes above and below the larynx 1 that are easy to suture, namely the sulphur suture hole 4 and the lower suture hole 5. The above describes the structure and working principle of the artificial larynx. However, the shape and size of the actual artificial larynx are not necessarily as described above. For example, some total laryngectomies start from the cricoid cartilage, while some total laryngectomies start from the first tracheal ring. Therefore, the length of the artificial larynx will be different. The above is based on actual clinical needs. The anterior wall of the artificial larynx can be slightly longer and the posterior wall can be slightly shorter. In addition, after the artificial larynx is installed, more technical treatments can be performed to facilitate good healing between the artificial larynx and the surrounding tissues.

[0070] Points to note

[0071] The aforementioned artificial larynx meets various anatomical and physiological requirements of the larynx, and will need to be upgraded and improved in the future. It should be noted that after total laryngectomy and the installation of an artificial larynx, some training is required, such as training in eating, vocalization, and coughing. After a period of training and adaptation, good habits will quickly form. In addition, it should be noted that there will be various uncomfortable sensations in the throat for a long time.

[0072] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, the phrase "comprising an element defined as..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0073] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An artificial larynx for normal voice production after total laryngectomy, comprising a laryngeal body (1), wherein a first epiglottis (2) and a second epiglottis (3) are respectively hinged to the top two sides of the laryngeal body (1) via a axial joint, and an upper suture hole (4) and a lower suture hole (5) are respectively machined on the upper and lower surfaces of the front end face of the laryngeal body (1), and a connecting mechanism and a moving mechanism are respectively installed on the upper and lower surfaces inside the laryngeal body (1); The connecting mechanism includes a first rod (6) hinged to the lower inner wall of the first epiglottis (2) via a shaft joint, a second rod (7) hinged to the lower inner wall of the second epiglottis (2) via a shaft joint, and a third rod (8) hinged between the first rod (6) and the second rod (7) via a shaft joint. A limiting component is installed at the bottom end of the first rod (6).

2. The artificial larynx for normal voice production after total laryngectomy according to claim 1, characterized in that, The limiting assembly includes a fourth rod (10) hinged to the inner wall below the first epiglottis (2) via a shaft joint. A first magnet (9) is fixed to the end of the first rod (6) away from the first epiglottis (2). A second magnet (11) is fixed to the end of the fourth rod (10) away from the first epiglottis (2), and the second magnet (11) and the first magnet (9) are like poles and repel each other. A third magnet (12) is fixed to the inner wall of the upper end of the throat (1), and the third magnet (12) and the second magnet (11) are like poles and repel each other.

3. The artificial larynx for normal voice production after total laryngectomy according to claim 1, characterized in that, The limiting component includes a wire spring (13) connected to the inner side of the anterior wall of the first epiglottis (2) and the larynx (1), and the wire spring (13) keeps the first epiglottis (2) and the second epiglottis (3) in a backward-upward or forward-upward spatial position through the first rod (6), the second rod (7) and the third rod (8).

4. The artificial larynx for normal voice production after total laryngectomy according to claim 1, characterized in that, The active mechanism includes a first wall plate (14) hinged to the inner wall of the throat body (1) via a shaft joint. The bottom end of the first wall plate (14) is hinged to a first blocking blade (15) via a shaft joint. The outer side of the first blocking blade (15) is attached to a first metal crossbar (16) fixed to the inner wall of the throat body (1). The bottom outer wall of the first blocking blade (15) is fixed to a fourth magnet (17). The outer side of the fourth magnet (17) is provided with a fifth magnet (18) fixed to the inner wall of the throat body (1), and the fifth magnet (18) and the fourth magnet (17) are like poles and repel each other.

5. An artificial larynx for normal voice production after total laryngectomy according to claim 1, characterized in that, The active mechanism includes a second wall plate (19) hinged to the inner wall of the throat body (1) on both sides via a shaft joint. The bottom end of the second wall plate (19) is hinged to a second blocking blade (20) via a shaft joint. A second metal crossbar (21) is attached to the upper outer side of the second blocking blade (20) and fixed to the inner wall of the throat body (1). A fifth magnet (22) with the same pole repulsion is fixed to the outer wall of the bottom end of a pair of second blocking blades (20).

6. An artificial larynx for normal voice production after total laryngectomy according to claim 1, characterized in that, The throat body (1) has an upper tube (23) and a lower tube (24) processed inside both the front and rear ends. A metal chip (25) is provided at the middle part where the upper tube (23) and the lower tube (24) communicate with each other.

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