VFSS (Videofluoroscopic Swallowing Studies)

Videofluoroscopic Swallowing Studies (VFSS) are diagnostic tests used to evaluate how people swallow food and liquids. During the procedure, a patient eats or drinks substances mixed with a safe radiopaque material, which makes them visible on an X-ray. A moving X-ray monitor captures the swallowing process in real time, allowing healthcare professionals to observe the function of the mouth, throat, and esophagus. This helps identify any swallowing difficulties or risks of aspiration (food entering the airway), guiding appropriate treatments and interventions to improve safety and nutrition.