Trachea-a thin-walled tube of cartilage that carries air to and from the lungs
Esophagus- a muscular tube for the passage of food into the stomach.
Tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP)- a small tract that is surgically created between the esophagus and the trachea
Stoma- the creation of a permanent opening into the trachea, by way of the neck, following partial or complete removal of the larynx (vocal cords)
Voice Prosthesis- the device which is inserted into the tracheoesophageal puncture to allow for sound production
Laryngectomy Tube-is the soft, flexible silicone tube, which is used to maintain stoma opening as needed.
Leaking-occurs when food or liquids (mainly liquids) come from the esophagus, into the trachea, either through or around the voice prosthesis