Videofluoroscopy Part 3: Contrast Media
Presented by Catriona Steele
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Nonfinancial: Catriona Steele is a member of the board of directors for the Dysphagia Research Society and International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI). She is an associate editor of the Dysphagia journal and is an editorial board member for the Journal of Texture Studies. She has no competing nonfinancial interests or relationships with regard to the content presented in this course.
A videofluoroscopic swallowing examination (VFSS) requires the use of radiopaque contrast media to make the bolus visible. Historically, there were no specific contrast agents designed for the oropharyngeal VFSS examination. This led to off-label practices where clinicians used barium designed for gastrointestinal imaging and prepared it in different consistencies, including mixing with food. We will discuss the importance of using standard barium and the risks that off-label mixing practices may have for altering exam results.
Meet your instructor
Catriona Steele
Dr. Catriona M. Steele is the director of the Swallowing Rehabilitation Research Laboratory at the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute. She also teaches in the graduate department of speech-language pathology at the University of Toronto. Prior to completing her PhD, Dr. Steele worked as a medical speech-language pathologist for…
Chapters & learning objectives
1. Contrast Media for VFSS
We will describe how contrast agents work and what the desirable properties of a contrast agent are for VFSS. We will discuss the difference between on-label and off-label use of barium.
2. Barium Concentration: How Does It Impact What We See on Videofluoroscopy?
We will discuss how altering the concentration of barium through methods like dilution can alter what you see on the exam and how this may influence VFSS exam results.
3. How Should I Choose Barium Products and Prepare Barium for VFSS?
We will discuss why it is important to understand manufacturer recommendations for preparing barium for use in VFSS and how off-label practices may influence the exam in undesirable ways.
More courses in this series
Videofluoroscopy Part 1: Indicators for the Exam
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Videofluoroscopy Part 2: How to Design the Exam
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Videofluoroscopy Part 3: Contrast Media
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Videofluoroscopy Part 4: Equipment and Pulse Rate
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Videofluoroscopy Part 5: Evaluation of Swallowing Safety
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Videofluoroscopy Part 6: Evaluation of Swallowing Efficiency
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Videofluoroscopy Part 7: Using Videofluoroscopy for Treatment Planning
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