Utilization of Instrumentation in Swallowing Assessment of Surgical Patients during COVID-19.

The aim of this study is to describe a measured return to instrumental dysphagia assessments for our vulnerable surgical patient population, such that best practice patterns could be resumed and our staff kept safe from transmission of COVID-19. A retrospective medical record review provided data on clinical practice patterns of swallowing assessment in an at-risk surgical patient population. Outcomes of this study support protocols that allow clinicians to safely resume the use of instrumental assessment and return to best practice in dysphagia assessment for our surgical patient population.

Best Practice in Swallowing Assessment in COVID-19.

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly altered the world as we know it. Service delivery for the instrumental evaluation of dysphagia in hospitalized patients has been significantly impacted. In many institutions, instrumental assessment was halted or eliminated from the clinical workflow, leaving clinicians without evidence-based gold standards to definitively evaluate swallowing function.

Effects of Vocal Training on Students' Voices in a Professional Drama School.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of vocal training on acoustic and aerodynamic characteristics of student actors' voices.

Study Design: Prospective cohort study.

Setting: Tertiary medical facility speech and swallow center.

Evaluation of Swallow Function Post-Extubation: Is It Necessary to Wait 24 Hours?

Background: Post-extubation dysphagia is associated with an increased incidence of nosocomial pneumonias, longer hospitalizations, and higher re-intubation rates. The purpose of this study was to determine if it is necessary to delay swallow evaluation for 24 hours post-extubation.

Methods: A prospective investigation of swallowing was conducted at 1, 4, and 24 hours post-extubation to determine if it is necessary to delay swallow evaluation following intubation.

Intravenous mesenchymal stem cell therapy after recurrent laryngeal nerve injury: a preliminary study.

Objectives/hypothesis: Intravenous administration of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has been recently shown to enhance functional recovery after stroke and spinal cord injury. The therapeutic properties of MSCs are attributed to their secretion of a variety of potent antiinflammatory and neurotrophic factors. We hypothesize that intravenous administration of MSCs after recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury in the rat may enhance functional recovery.

Hajek revisited: a histological examination of the quadrangular membrane.

Objective: The predictability of laryngeal cancer spread is due in part to connective tissue membranes. These membranes function as barriers to cancer and divide the larynx into subunits. The field of laryngeal conservation surgery is based on these concepts.

Voice disorders in actors.

Objectives/hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of vocal pathology among first-year acting students.

Study Design: A retrospective review of 30 first-year graduate-level drama students between 2009 and 2011 was performed.

Methods: Stroboscopy, Voice Handicap Index-10 questionnaires, and acoustic measures were analyzed.

Neuromuscular basis for ventricular fold function.

Objectives: We sought to examine the neuromuscular basis for ventricular fold function. The primary function of the ventricular folds is to assist in the regulation of intra-abdominal and intrathoracic pressure. They also influence phonation in the setting of vocal fold paralysis or ventricular dysphonia, or after partial laryngectomy.

Management of supraglottic squeeze in adductor spasmodic dysphonia: a new technique.

Objectives: Spasmodic dysphonia is a disabling disorder of the voice characterized primarily by involuntary disruptions of phonation. Botulinum toxin injections of the thyroarytenoid muscles have been the treatment of choice for adductor spasmodic dysphonia (ADSD). We describe a new technique to address the problem of compensatory or supraglottic hyperadduction in some of these patients.