Pharyngeal flow interval: a novel impedance-based parameter correlating with aspiration

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Swallowing Disorders
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Pharyngeal impedance recording is an emerging technique for assessing swallowing function.
• Its utility in evaluating pharyngeal function, particularly in relation to bolus residue and aspiration, requires further establishment.
• This study investigates a novel parameter, impedance flow interval, and the impact of catheter configuration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impedance flow interval as a novel parameter for assessing pharyngeal function.
• To correlate impedance flow interval with post-swallow bolus residue and deglutitive aspiration.
• To assess the effect of different catheter configurations on impedance measurements.

Main Methods:

• 12 children (1.8-13.5 years) with cerebral palsy underwent simultaneous videofluoroscopy and pharyngeal impedance recording.
• Two catheter configurations (1.9mm diameter/1cm electrodes and 3.2mm diameter/2cm electrodes) were utilized.
• Impedance flow interval was calculated and correlated with fluoroscopic findings of residue and aspiration.

Main Results:

• A longer flow interval was significantly associated with aspiration across both catheter configurations.
• A longer flow interval was associated with bolus residue, particularly with the larger catheter (Catheter 2).
• Higher flow interval was a stronger predictor of aspiration (OR 13.4) than the presence of residue (OR 3.8).

Conclusions:

• Impedance measurement, specifically the flow interval, can detect alterations in pharyngeal swallow flow characteristics.
• This novel parameter shows potential for predicting deglutitive aspiration risk in pediatric patients.
• Pharyngeal impedance recording offers a promising, objective method for swallowing function assessment.