Dysphagia Resource CenterServing the Dysphagia professional since 1995.
Resources for swallowing and swallowing disorders.

[Date Prev][Date Next] [Chronological] [Thread] [Top]

[Dysphagia] c-arm for VFSS



Julie,

We have started using the c-arm for about half a year now.

We have some problems following the bolus to the oesophagus mostly not
because of the speed of the c-arm moving down, but more because of
oesophagus is not directly below the oropharynx. Since STs are the
closest to the patient, we had to move the patient in the Hausted chair
forwards and backwards to see the oesophageal phase. As such, we can
miss the oesophageal stage if we (STs) are not quick enough.

Another problem is the joystick moves the arm in opposite directions, so
with each change of a new radiologist, we experience some
disorientation.

Hope that helps.

Louisa

-----Original Message-----
From: dysphagia-bounces at dysphagia.com
[mailto:dysphagia-bounces at dysphagia.com] On Behalf Of neurosp at aol.com
Sent: Tuesday, January 29, 2008 8:46 PM
To: speechhuffman at nc.rr.com; dysphagia at dysphagia.com
Subject: Re: [Dysphagia] c-arm for VFSS

I have been using c-arm for many years and have found it to be an 
optimum way of conducting VFSS.  We use apron, thyroid shields and wll 
be starting to use eye shields.  The use of the c-arm plus a VIC 
(Hausted)chair provides for greater flexibiliity regarding patient 
populations.  We are able assess very contracted patients, as well as 
those who come as out patients including those on stretchers who may be 
exceedingly overweight.  Those on stretchers can remain on the 
stretcher when being tested.  Thus, avoiding transfering the patient to 
another chair, which reduces the risk of injury to the patient as well 
as a staff member.  Plus, we are able to conduct AP views with a 
patient in the VIC chair or on a stretcher without difficulty.  We have 
never encountered any difficulty following a bolus through the 
esophagus.  In addition, we also have found the chair to be most 
suitable for testing babies and young children.

John


-----Original Message-----
From: Speech Julie <speechhuffman at nc.rr.com>
To: dysphagia at dysphagia.com
Sent: Mon, 28 Jan 2008 10:54 pm
Subject: [Dysphagia] c-arm for VFSS



For those of you using c-arms for VFSS, I was wondering if you could 
answer
a few questions:

- Do you use any other protective lead gear other than apron/ thyroid
sheild?  It would appear there is increased radiation "spray" as 
compared to
standard flouro

-  Are there any figures regarding our radiation exposure with C-arm 
versus
starndard flouro units?

-  Is it a problem to follow a bolus to scan down the esopagus given 
the
c-arm moves slowly?

- Do you like the use of c-arms for VFSS vs standard fluoro?

Thank you in advance for your input!  Julie

_______________________________________________
Dysphagia mail list: Normal and disordered swallowing information
Dysphagia at dysphagia.com
Manage subscription: http://lists.b9.com/mailman/listinfo/dysphagia
Visit the new Dysphagia Web Forum: http://dysphagia.com/forum


________________________________________________________________________
More new features than ever.  Check out the new AOL Mail ! - 
http://webmail.aol.com
_______________________________________________
Dysphagia mail list: Normal and disordered swallowing information
Dysphagia at dysphagia.com
Manage subscription: http://lists.b9.com/mailman/listinfo/dysphagia
Visit the new Dysphagia Web Forum: http://dysphagia.com/forum



Please send sugestions and comments to ppalmer@dysphagia.com."This site blew me away, I nearly choked!"
© 1996-2006 Phyllis M. Palmer, Ph.D.