S189 – Tracheotomy Tube Occlusion Status and Swallowing Function
Objectives To compare the effects, if any, various types of tracheotomy occlusion conditions may have upon swallowing during either the videofluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS) or fiberoptic endoscopic exam of the swallow (FEES). Methods Prospective, repeated measure design. Patients underwent randomized order of tracheotomy occlusion conditions (open, finger, one-way valve, capped) during selected swallows. Main outcome measures were the presence or absence of aspiration/laryngeal penetration. Results 39 participants have completed the protocol, 19 males/20 females, mean age of 59.41 years (SD=19.31). 20 underwent the VFSS and 19 underwent FEES. The majority of participants (58.9%, 28/39) were able to safely swallow without any airway invasion under all occlusion conditions. Change in swallow function under 1 or more of the occlusion conditions was present in 25.6% (10/39) of the participants. 4 subjects had increased airway invasion with no occlusion (open), 4 with finger occlusion, and 2 while capped. One subject had less airway invasion with the 1-way valve as compared to the other conditions. One subject aspirated under all occlusion conditions. Conclusions No clear patterns for optimal occlusion condition for swallowing were identified. Results of this study suggest that swallowing disorders in patients with a tracheotomy tube is a multifactiorial problem and several factors may be associated with the swallowing dysfunction. Therefore, patients should be evaluated under various occlusion conditions to determine their specific optimal swallowing condition.