What is a swallowing angiogram?

VFSE, also known as videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS), is a clinical examination method that uses imaging to observe swallowing disorders and is considered the “gold standard” for the evaluation of swallowing disorders. It assesses the entire swallowing process by observing under fluoroscopy the patient’s swallowing of food masses of different viscosities and volumes, the anatomical structures of the tongue, soft palate, and pharynx and the transport of food masses, the eating of food of various properties, the initiation of swallowing, the presence of aspiration and the ability to clear it, and the detection of structural or functional abnormalities of swallowing. It is also an important indicator for the removal of nasal feeding tube and gastrostomy tube.