I am Dr. Vishal Rao, a Bangalore-based oncologist, and Head& Neck Surgeon in the Department of Surgical Oncology, HealthCare Global (HCG) Cancer Centre. 

I have developed a device at Rs.50 that can help throat cancer patients breathe as well maintain speech and communication.

Why I invented This Device for Throat Cancer Patients

I was recently called to an emergency room to perform a tracheotomy. The patient had throat cancer and was unable to breathe due to a tumour blocking his throat. I needed to make a hole in his throat that bypassed the tumour, allowing him to breathe. This procedure needs to be done in 3-5 minutes as brain can only wait this long without oxygen.

The operation was done and he made it. The patient was discharged two days later with training to take care of the tracheotomy tube which maintains the hole in neck. It needed regular suctioning every 1-2 hours. During the time the tube was in his throat, the patient would be unable to speak.

Five days later, I heard that the patient had expired due to a blocked tube. The reason for this - the local hospital did not have suction and he was not brought to the alternate hospital soon enough.

Such situations need prompt action
We have made a device (tracheotomy tube) which not only helps a person breathe but also does not need suctioning. It also helps him speak when the tube is in place thus maintaining his speech and communication.

How You Can Help

We have a design in place and need some financial support to continue our work. We plan to purchase high quality medical-grade material within the next few weeks to refine the product. Donate to help thousands of poor in India diagnosed with throat tumours and cancers.

How Do I Purchase The Device

We have created the prototype of the device. It will be available to the public in a couple of month's .