This module will discuss the contrast media that are used in videofluoroscopy. The majority of this module will focus on barium sulfate, which is the most commonly used contrast agent for gastrointestinal imaging in North America. It will explore issues of intended use and contraindications. Next will follow a discussion of off-label use and custom recipes for barium for videofluoroscopy, including barium concentration and the need to understand how concentration influences the flow and coating properties of barium. The module will wrap up with discussion of non-barium contrast agents and special considerations regarding contrast media in pediatric populations. At the end of this module, the clinician learner will be able to:

1. Understand the difference between high and low concentration barium
2. Understand the impact of barium concentration on mucosal coating
3. Understand the indications and contraindications for use of barium in children and individuals who aspirate
4. Describe the difference between manufacturer instructed use and off label use of barium
5. Understand the links between aspiration of contrast media and pneumonitis
6. Understand contraindications for use of xanthan-gum based thickeners in infants

About Instructor

Professor Catriona M. Steele is a clinician scientist working in the area of swallowing and swallowing disorders. She has a background as a medical speech-language pathologist, and is Director of the Swallowing Rehabilitation Research Laboratory (www.steeleswallowinglab.ca) at KITE, the research arm of the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute – University Health Network. Dr. Steele is a Professor in the Department of Speech-Language Pathology at the University of Toronto. Professor Steele holds research funding from the National Institutes of Health (USA) as well as several active industry contracts. She is an associate editor for the Dysphagia journal and a member of the editorial board for the Journal of Texture Studies. She is also a member of the Board of Directors for the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (www.iddsi.org).