Dysphagia (swallowing impairment) is a common complication of cardiothoracic surgery (CS). Although alterations in respiratory-swallow coordination is a known underlying pathophysiologic mechanism of dysphagia in multiple patient populations, no group has examined respiratory-swallow physiology in CS patients. The proposed study will examine respiratory-swallow physiology in CS patients and determine its association with unsafe swallowing and inferior health-related outcomes.

The proposed study will examine respiratory-swallow physiology in cardiothoracic surgical patients and determine its association with unsafe swallowing and inferior health-related outcomes. Participation will involve a single postoperative research exam of approximately 60-90 minute duration. Participants will be seated upright and positioned for simultaneous instrumental imaging of swallow physiology, nasal airflow monitoring, and respiratory inductance plethysmography testing.

Inclusion criteria:

• Adults over 18 years of age who have undergone cardiothoracic surgery at UF Health
• No allergies to barium
• Not pregnant
• Willing to participate in study

Exclusion criteria:

• Individuals 18 years of age or younger
• Allergies to barium
• Pregnant
• Not willing to participate in study

30 individuals undergoing cardiothoracic surgery will be enrolled in this study.