Background
About 30% of the patient population at the Loewenstein Rehabilitation Medical Center suffer from swallowing disorders of varying degrees of severity. Among the causes of these disorders are neurological injuries such as stroke and head injury, as well as neuromuscular diseases like Parkinson’s and muscular dystrophy. Swallowing disorders can cause dehydration, malnutrition, pneumonia, suffocation, and even death. Hence, early diagnosis is of great importance.
Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) is an objective imaging test that is considered to be the gold standard. The test is performed by a physician and a communication clinician using a fiberoptic device that includes a camera connected to a computer screen. The camera is inserted into the pharynx through the nostril, which makes it possible to observe and film the swallowing process during eating and drinking.
The Need
Loewenstein Rehabilitation Medical Center currently uses an outdated imaging and documentation system plagued by recurring malfunctions that disrupt routine work. Failure to conduct the test under optimal conditions can be life-threatening. Therefore, we need to purchase a modern and upgraded system.
The device is essential for our patients, who trust us to make the most innovative rehabilitative and therapeutic equipment available for them, even when it is outside the range of regulatory public funding.
The modern Olympus imaging system enables an objective diagnosis of swallowing disorders to prevent complications and start the required treatment as soon as possible. In addition to filming the swallowing process, a documentation system is needed.
The Orpheus documentation software allows data processing and documenting the test results. As a result, at the individual level, it is possible to monitor changes in the patient’s condition in a measurable and systematic manner, and design a safe and appropriate nutrition plan accordingly, taking into account the permitted food and drink textures. At the population level, documentation allows research to be conducted in the field of swallowing disorders.
Another advantage of the imaging system is the ability to check the condition of the vocal cords at a better resolution. The findings of the test are also of great importance in making decisions about weaning patients diagnosed with respiratory failure from the use of a cannula (breathing tube). Purchasing the system will help us meet our obligation to provide the most advanced medical care available to our patients.
Olympus imaging system: NIS 168,266
Orpheus documentation software: NIS 41,706
Dedication option
As a token of appreciation of your donation, we will be happy to create a dedication plaque in your honor with the name indicated by you
Partners
Clalit Health Services
Israel Healthcare Foundation IHF
We will approach additional donors if necessary
