The application of dysphagia ventilation swallowing and speaking valve in children with swallowing disorder after tracheostomy

Abstract

Objective To observe the application of dysphagia ventilation swallowing and speaking valve inchildren with swallowing disorder after tracheostomy.Methods Four children with tracheostomy done and swallowing disorders(3 with brainstem encephalitis caused by hand,foot and mouth disease and 1 post-surgery case of cerebellar astrocytoma)were observed.Videofluoroscopic swallowing studies(VFSS)showed cricopharyngeal achalasia and silent aspiration.After VFSS assessments,ventilation swallowing and speaking valves(Passy-Muir,USA,PMVs)were applied to the 4 children.After that they received comprehensive swallowing trainings including balloon dilatation,breathing exercises,sensory stimulation and electrical stimulation.Results Four children could pronounce with PMVs immediately.After(36.50 ± 35.63)d of comprehensive intervention,all of them could live without tracheostomy tube or nasal feeding tube,their swallowing function improved obviously and could take food per os.Conclusions The application of PMVs combining with swallowing training is effective for children with swallowing disorder and dysphonia after tracheostomy.It is helpful to decrease the risk of aspiration,to open the cricopharyngeus muscle and to restore pronunciation. Key words: Tracheostomy; Dysphagia ventilation swallowing and speaking valve; Hand, foot and mouth disease