What is dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing?
Any subjective or objective patient complaint of trouble swallowing,
coughing,
choking or inability to safely handle food or secretions.
FAQ's on Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing with
Sensory Testing (FEESST):
What is FEESST?
FEESST is an alternative test to the X-ray test of swallowing that
uses a specifically designed endoscope in order to assess both the
SENSORY and MOTOR components of the swallow.
FEESST is a two part test. The first part of the test assesses
sensation in the larynx in order to illicit an airway protective reflex.
The second part of the test involves giving food to the patient (with
green food coloring mixed in) and watching/ tracking where the food
travels in the throat region.
What medical devices does FEESST utilize?
A specially designed endoscope that contains a small hollow opening or
port. Through the port, pulses of air are administered from a device
called the Air Pulse Sensory Stimulator.The other components include a
VCR, a monitor, a camera, a light source and a video printer.
How does the Air Pulse Sensory Stimulator (APSS) work?
The APSS consists of a flexible fiber optic endoscope tube, connected
to an air pulse generator. When the tube is placed through the nose into
the middle of the throat, pulses of air, varying in duration and
intensity, are delivered to elicit an involuntary throat reflex.
By using the APSS, clinicians can easily determine which side of the
throat is numb and simply have the patient turn his or her head so that
the incoming food is exposed to the side of the of the throat with
normal sensation.
Who is FEESST generally used on?
FEESST is generally used on the elderly, patients with stroke,chronic
cough, reflux, Parkinson's disease, and patients with other chronic
neurological conditions who have developed swallowing problems or
DYSPHAGIA.
Why is FEESST used on stroke patients?
Just as some patients suffer from motor paralysis after a stroke, they
can also experience sensory paralysis in their throat after stroke.
Stroke accounts for nearly 250,000 deaths each year in this country, about 40,000 of which occur from aspiration pneumonia. One of the most devastating and common complications of stroke is difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia), noted in some 30% of all stroke patients.
Studies with FEESST showed that stroke patients exhibiting dysphagia can predispose them to the development of aspiration. Knowledge of sensory discrimination in this area will lead to more precise therapeutic maneuvers by clinicians to ensure a safer swallow for their patients.
How long does the procedure take?
The procedure takes about ten minutes.
Is FEESST reimbursable?
Yes. Through private medical insurance as well as Medicare.
