The field of speech-language pathology has evolved significantly, shifting from subjective impressions to objective, evidence-based assessments. TIMS MVP support advancements in the field through features such as label sets, study review, quantitative data collection, and standardized analysis. Learn how Jo Puntil, MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-S implement TIMS in their practice.

Dementia involves a gradual and persistent decline in cognitive function, which impacts millions of people today. As dementia progresses, swallowing issues are likely to develop. Individuals living with dementia and caregivers may be faced with the need to consider options to support nutrition and hydration.

Pulmonary transplant is considered a gold-standard treatment for individuals experiencing end-stage lung disease. Current literature demonstrates that individuals undergoing lung transplants experience an increased risk for the development of dysphagia as well as morbidity.

Endoscopic reprocessing is critical for patient safety and equipment longevity. A lack of leak testing or improper leak testing can lead to scope damage and infection control issues.

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that results in both motor and non-motor dysfunction with hypothesized multifactorial causes.

PD can result in a variety of symptoms including bradykinesia, resting tremor, rigidity, loss of smell, sleep dysfunction, excess saliva, constipation, mood disorders, dysphagia, excessive limb movements in sleep and others.

Dysphagia following extubation is a commonly occurring issue for critically ill adult patients,and is correlated with increased health care costs, prolonged enteral feeding, increased risk for the development of pneumonia, and a predictor of all-cause mortality.

Barrett’s esophagus, a precancerous condition, is typically acquired and often caused due to chronic gastroesophageal reflux (GERD). In addition to GERD, risk factors for Barrett’s esophagus include past or current smoking history, age >50 years, family history or Barrett’s of esophageal adenocarcinoma, genetic mutations, obesity, male genotype, among others.

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic immune or antigen-mediated process - initiated or influenced by the presence and interaction of antigens with the immune system. EoE causes inflammation of the esophagus and a buildup of eosinophils.

Previously, EoE was thought to be a component of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), however, it is now understood to be a separate issue.

We are honored to support St. Louis Children’s Hospital, a Division of BJC HealthCare, in their efforts to enhance pediatric imaging services through the adoption of TIMS Connect. By leveraging this innovative solution, St. Louis Children’s is improving access to fluoroscopic procedures while continuing to deliver the highest standard of care in a patient-centered environment.

Research demonstrates the prevalence of pediatric feeding disorders (PFD) and pediatric dysphagia. Both PFD and dysphagia can result in significant ramifications, such as aspiration, adverse pulmonary issues secondary to oral intake, limited intake of quality or variety of foods/liquids, disruptive behaviors during mealtimes, challenges using utensils, nutrition and hydration concerns, difficulty with growth and/or weight, among other issues (ASHA, n.d.; Goday et al., 2019; Arvedson et al., 2019).

We are honored to highlight Maryville University's commitment to advancing dysphagia education through the integration of TIMS MVP and TIMS Review into their graduate school curriculum. This semester, students have had invaluable hands-on experience with the use of TIMS MVP and TIMS Review to enrich their understanding and practical skills in dysphagia assessment and treatment.

Internal lymphedema is prevalent for people with head and neck cancer. Jeans et al. (2023) report that more than 96% of people with head and neck cancer develop internal lymphedema, resulting in dysphagia as well as the occurrence of penetration and aspiration. The Revised Patterson Edema Scale represents a valuable advancement in the assessment of laryngeal and pharyngeal edema following treatment for head and neck cancer.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cause of cancer death in the United States. CRC is rapidly shifting to diagnosis at a younger age, at a more advanced stage, and in the left colon/rectum. Many colon cancer cases are sporadic, with approximately 5 percent attributed to inherited genetic mutations and familial adenomatous polyposis.

Retrograde Cricopharyngeal Dysfunction (RCPD) is characterized by the inability to burp as well as associated symptoms including loud gurgling noises, chest and abdominal pain, and excessive flatulence. It is hypothesized that RCPD is caused by inability of the cricopharyngeal sphincter to relax during esophageal distention.

The prevalence of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) has been increasing over the last several decades, with minimal improvements in mortality rates related to this cancer.

Vocal fold nodules are benign and are often located at the midpoint of the membranous vocal fold. They typically occur bilaterally and are correlated with epithelial changes and basement membrane fibrosis.

The BaByVFSS Impairment Profile (BaByVFSSImP™) is the first standardized assessment tool designed to quantify swallowing function based on observations from videofluoroscopic swallow studies (VFSS) in bottle-fed infants.

A Zenker’s diverticulum often develops in the hypopharynx between the cricopharyngeus muscle and the inferior pharyngeal constrictor muscle. The etiology of Zenker’s diverticulum is not completely understood. It is hypothesized that Zenker’s diverticulum is the result of abnormal structure and physiology of the cricopharyngeus muscle.

Esophagitis is inflammation or injury to the esophageal mucosa with causes including gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), radiation, infections, local injury due to medications, pill esophagitis, eosinophilic, and eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). Diagnosis may be based on clinical examination and history however endoscopy and biopsy examination are required to differentiate subtypes of esophagitis.

The Robust Esophageal Screening Test (REST) is a validated and standardized esophageal screening protocol, that is essential in specifying and expediting next steps for multidisciplinary teams.