Introduction Tracheal cannulas alter respiratory-swallowing coordination by shutting off the larynx
from the airway. This change has a significant impact on the recovery of a safe sip.
With the development of a mobile measuring device for the automated recognition and
evaluation of a sip (RehaIngest®, Hasomed, Magdeburg), the synchronous recording of
the respiratory activity opens up the possibility to record and evaluate the breath-swallow
coordination for a longer period of time.
Methods 5 patients each were examined with a cuffed, uncuffed or without tracheostomy tube
(TT). Swallowing and breathing were recorded over 2 hours in regular hospital operation.
The last respiratory movement was evaluated 10 sec before the start of a sip.
Results So far 15 patients have been examined. The last respiratory activity was evaluated
before the start of a sip. Differences between the groups could be found: the TT leads
to a reduction of the swallowing apnea, an increase of the swallowing frequency with
a predominant exhalation before the swallow.
Conclusions First, it is possible to examine the breath-swallow coordination on mobile patients.
The current data suggest that the additional evaluation of these parameters will facilitate
the assessment of a swallowing disorder. At present, algorithms for automated recognition
and evaluation are being developed in a larger population.
Poster-PDF
A-1921.PDF
