Clinical Markers of Dysphagia in Cardiac Surgical Patients

Although dysphagia is a known complication of cardiac surgery, risk factors and sensitive bedside clinical markers of dysphagia have not yet been identified. This longitudinal study will enroll 380 cardiac surgical patients and identify contributing risk factors of incident cases of dysphagia and identify sensitive bedside markers of dysphagia. Statistical modeling will produce two pragmatic clinical tools - a risk prediction model and a beside screening tool to improve care models.

Inclusion Criteria: * Individuals 18-90 years of age * Undergoing planned or emergent cardiothoracic surgery via sternotomy and/or extended thoracotomy at the University of Florida Heart and Vascular Hospital * Not pregnant * Willing to participate in research exams. Exclusion Criteria: * Pregnant women * Those unwilling to participate in research exams.