Dysphagia and Vocal Cord Injury Following Cardiac Surgery

Vocal Cord Impairment and Dysphagia in Cardiac Surgery

Aiming to determine the incidence and contributing risk factors of vocal fold mobility impairment (VFMI) and dysphagia in postoperative cardiovascular patients and evaluate the impact of VFMI on health-related outcomes.

This is a retrospective study to determine:

1. the incidence and contributing risk factors of vocal fold mobility impairment (VFMI) and dysphagia in postoperative cardiovascular patients
2. evaluate the impact of VFMI on health-related outcomes.

Inclusion Criteria:

• All cardiac surgery patients January 2010-April 2020 at Shands Hospital
• Patients aged between 18 and 90 years
• Undergone an elective, urgent, and/or emergent cardiovascular surgery via endovascular or open (sternotomy and/or extended thoracotomy) technique at the University of Florida Health.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Under 18 years old or over 90 years old