Feasibility of a Dysphagia Strain Sensor for Detecting Swallowing Function and Volume Status in Heart Failure Patients

Abstract

Conventional indicators of volume status demonstrated variable sensitivity, specificity, and predictive validity, which limited their effectiveness in detecting volume overload early. Notably, dysphagia was observed to occur several days before clinical signs of volume overload became evident, often manifesting before hospitalization. This suggested that dysphagia could serve as an earlier biomarker for impending decompensation. While videofluoroscopic swallow studies (VFSS) remained the diagnostic gold standard for dysphagia, their use was frequently constrained due to limited availability and resource demands. Similarly, the Massey Bedside Swallow Screen (MBSS), although widely used, suffered from subjectivity and a reliance on clinical judgment. The Dysphagia Strain Sensor (DSS) presented a promising alternative by providing an objective and accessible modality for detecting dysphagia in the heart failure (HF) population. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of the DSS in assessing swallowing and volume status in HF patients. A cross-sectional, observational feasibility study was conducted with 15 patients with HF to assess the sensor’s operational viability and to explore the associations between swallowing function and volume status. The findings supported the feasibility and potential clinical applicability of the DSS in this population. Future research should focus on larger, more diverse cohorts and longitudinal designs to validate these preliminary results, refine analytic algorithms, and establish the DSS as an effective adjunctive screening and monitoring technology for early detection of decompensation and improved management of dysphagia in HF patients.