Development of Visual and Functional Videofluorography System for Dysphagia

摘要

Videofluorography (VFG, VF), in which a videotape recorder (VTR) is connected to an X-ray TV system, has recently been applied to the evaluation and diagnosis of the swallowing function. However, the conventional method using only X-ray TV images cannot provide detailed information such as the configuration of the simulated food and the posture of the patient in swallowing, which is important in the rehabilitation of dysphagia. Consequently, the authors have constructed a system using a commercial/industrial "multiviewer" window-display device, which can simultaneously record video camera images for the posture of the patient, the instructions of the examining physician, and the actual swallowing-assist procedure performed by the examining physician, in addition to a conventional X-ray video of the eating and swallowing process. A further function is added so that the videofluorograph recorded on the VTR is input to a personal computer. The file size that is optimal for transfer between personal computers and viewing is investigated. Then, by sharing the file on the hospital LAN, multiple VFGs can easily be compared on the monitor screen. A system is also proposed for the simultaneous recording of biological information, which can make possible an analysis of the swallowing dynamics based on the relations among the VFG, the EMG signal, and the motion of the thyroid cartilage, which is important in the swallowing process. This system makes possible diagnosis from various viewpoints, such as posture, the EMG, and the X-ray image. This paper reports the development of such a system, which is very useful in subsequent planning of rehabilitation programs in a conference between the examining physician and rehabilitation professionals.