[Dysphagia] VFSS without PMV

[Winslowpack at wmconnect.com (Winslowpack@wmconnect.com)]

Have a pt. with trach (no cuff).  Have tried having her tolerate the 
Passy-Muir valve with no success...sats drop into the 80s after a minute of wearing.   
Sent her to have a VFSS done and stated that she wasn't wearing the valve and 
to do the test without the valve.  Once the pt. arriived, the SLPs there said 
they would not do the assessment without the valve and proceeded to place a 
valve on and do the test.  The results don't really help us though since she 
can't wear the valve but for a minute and that's not long enough to eat.  What 
are your opinions/research about doing the VFSS without pts. wearing the PMV?  
Should I send her to a different local facility where they state they will do 
the VFSS without the PMV for us?  It would be helpful to have the instrumental 
assessment done to determine her safety for p.o. intake and she really wants 
to eat.
Thanks!
Sherri