Above Cuff Vocalization (ACV) Revisited: Exploration of Evidence and Practice

Join us for this exciting webinar discussion: Above Cuff Vocalization (ACV) Revisited – Exploring Evidence and Practice.

Above Cuff Vocalization (ACV) supports communication, comfort, and laryngeal rehabilitation—including functions such as swallowing and coughing—in tracheostomized patients, yet many clinicians may feel less confident about its safe implementation. Expert clinicians from the UK and Germany will review the evidence, clinical rationale, and real-world practice, demonstrating how ACV restores voice and facilitates early rehabilitation.

Time  

June 2, 2026, at 18:00 – 19:30 CET 

This webinar will be streamed live between 18:00 and 19:30 CET (Central European Time).

Please note the difference in time between time zones throughout the world.

Learning objectives

By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:

• Describe the use of ACV in mechanically ventilated patients.
• Describe the use of ACV in self-ventilating patients.
• Explore the relevant evidence supporting safe and effective ACV practice.
• Identify key safety measures required for the safe delivery of ACV.
• Discuss the positive effects of ACV on communication
• Discuss current and new evidence exploring ACV effects on swallowing rehabilitation.

Agenda

18:00–18:05 CET:
Welcome & Introduction

18:05–18:30 CET:
ACV in Practice: Evidence Meets Physiology Meets the Person Behind the Vent

18:30–18:55 CET:
ACV in Self Ventilating Patients: Evidence, Clinical Rationale, and Real World Implementation

18:55–19:20 CET:
Panel Discussion and Q&A

19:20–19:30 CET:
Final Q&A and Closing Remarks

Expert panel

Prof. Sarah Wallace

Prof. Sarah Wallace is a Consultant Speech and Language Therapist, specialising in critical care and dysphagia at Wythenshawe hospital in Manchester. She is the SLT lead for the National Tracheostomy Safety Project, the Improving Tracheostomy Care Project, the Intensive Care Society (ICS) council and the ICS Rehabilitation Collaborative. She holds national leadership roles for the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists, including the COVID-19 Advisory expert group and Tracheostomy Clinical Excellence Network committee. As a Specialist Advisor Sarah has contributed to many national and international policies, guidelines and publications. Her research focus is tracheostomy care and the SLT role in rehabilitation of laryngeal complications in critical care.

Jan Faust

After completing his Bachelor’s degree in Speech Therapy in the Netherlands, Jan Faust practiced in clinical settings and clinics with a focus on neurorehabilitation. He pursued a Master’s degree in Teaching and Research in Speech Therapy at RWTH University Aachen, where he continues his research work as a doctoral candidate in the field of theoretical medicine. He is a certified FEES instructor by the German Society for Neurology (DGN) and is also active as an author and speaker in the field of electrotherapy. Since 2016, he has been working in the field of acute and neurorehabilitation at Helios Klinikum Krefeld. For several years, he has been working with tracheotomized patients in the intensive care unit and during prolonged weaning. Currently, he is engaged in his PHD study on ACV in dysphagia patients in the intensive care unit

Register to join

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Atos Medical is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible experience for all learners. For U.S. attendees, please contact us at events.us@atosmedical.com if you require any special accommodations in order to participate in this educational program.