1.  Patient must be motivated.

2. Patient must have adequate understanding of postsurgical anatomy.

3. Patient must have basic understanding of function of the TE puncture voice prosthesis.

4. Patient must demonstrate adequate manual dexterity to manage prosthesis.

5. Visual acuity must be sufficient for purposes of managing tracheostoma and prosthesis.

6. Patient must exhibit ability to care for prostheses.

7. Patient should not have significant hypopharyngeal stenosis.

8. Patient should demonstrate positive results following esophageal air insufflation test.

9. Patient must have adequate pulmonary support for prosthesis use.

10. Patient should have stoma of adequate depth and diameter for prothesis to avoid airway occlusion.

11. Patient should be mentally stable.
 

From: Andrews et al. (1987) Major complications following tracheoesophageal puncture for voice rehabilitation, Laryngoscope, 97, 562-567.