tracheoesophageal shunt

tracheoesophageal puncture

a surgical procedure to restore vocal function in patients who have had a laryngectomy by creating a tracheoesophageal fistula through which the laryngectomee forces air from the trachea into the esophagus to produce sound that is articulated into speech.

tra·che·o·e·soph·a·ge·al punc·ture

,tracheoesophageal shunt (TEP) (trā'kē-ō-ē-sof-ā'jē-ăl pŭngk'shŭr, shŭnt) Surgical procedure connecting the trachea and esophagus. In laryngectomies, the puncture, in combination with a prosthetic valve, allows exhaled air from the lungs to enter the esophagus for production of speech.
Synonym(s): tracheo-oesophageal puncture, tracheo-oesophageal shunt.