DEVICE AND METHOD FOR IN OFFICE UNSEDATED TRACHEOESOPHAGEAL PUNCTURE (TEP)

Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to apparatuses devices and procedures for unsedated in office tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP) using transnasal esophagoscopy (TNE) and a measurement cannula referred to as a TEP measurement and insertion device (MAID or TEP MAID). In some embodiments a MAID is configured for use with a mini tracheostomy kit; in other embodiments a MAID is configured to be carried and automatically or semi automatically deployed for instance by a handheld mechatronic device or an automated device such as a medical robot that carries an automated tracheoesophageal puncture and voice prosthesis insertion end effector. In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure a MAID has a body that carries or includes indicators indicia or markings that facilitate or enable substantially direct and/or immediate estimation identification or measurement of a tissue extent or thickness corresponding to or across a tracheoesophageal fistula (e.g. a tracheoesophageal dividing wall thickness) and selection and insertion of a voice prosthesis such as a non indwelling voice prosthesis from Blom Singer. In certain embodiments a MAID includes at least an outer measurement cannula and an inner adaptor cannula configured to fit over or matingly engage with a dilator such as a short dilator provided in Portex s mini tracheostomy kit.