Aspiration in Acute Respiratory Failure Survivors 2

The 3-Screenings Protocol is a modified bedside swallow exam (BSE) consisting of a study developed five-item decision tree algorithm including voice quality assessment and a 2-ounce water consistency assessment, the Yale Swallow Test, with a scored 3-ounce Water Swallow Test (3-WST), and the Toronto Bedside Swallowing Screening Test (TOR-BSST).

A thin, flexible endoscope designed for assessment of laryngeal structures is passed through the nose to the oropharynx, visualizing the laryngeal structures, and the base of tongue and the pharynx. If needed 4% topical lidocaine and/or oxymetazoline (Afrin) will be administered. Swallowing will then be evaluated directly with six food boluses of 5 ml each. All patients will be allowed to swallow spontaneously without a verbal command to swallow. Video of the examinations will be recorded and presence of dysphagia will be designated independently by 3 different observers (one pulmonary physician and two speech language pathologists (SLPs)). This procedure will take 5-10 minutes. The camera will then be removed.

Ultrasound imaging of the trachea, measuring tracheal diameter and endotracheal tube (ETT) size ratio within 72 hours prior to extubation