Automated long-term measurement of respiratory-swallowing coordination of healthy persons and patients with a tracheostomy tube

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.

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Publication History

Article published online:
10 June 2020