Traqueostomizados: a relevância da válvula de fala e deglutição nos pacientes traqueostomizados em UTI / Tracheostomized: the relevance of speech and swallowing valve in tracheostomized ICU patients

A narrative review was carried out in order to demonstrate how much the speech and swallowing valve helps in the recovery process of the tracheostomized patient in ICU, as well as to show its functioning, indications and contraindications from the indexed literature in national databases and international organizations. Tracheostomy is a surgical procedure performed in patients who require mechanical ventilation. Such a procedure causes numerous damages. The Speech and Swallowing Valve is a therapeutic tool that positively influences the biomechanics of swallowing, contributes to the process of ventilatory weaning, decannulation, reducing hospitalization time, restoring sub glottic pressure, bringing phonation back, improving communication among others benefits. In addition, it offers a better quality of life to the patient. Its main advantage is the low cost if compared to a daily CTI bed, and its practicality