Lumen imaging
With the FB visualization in the PLS, series of lumen images were taken
along the course of dynamic changes with the inflation. In addition,
associated anomaly or lesion if existed could also be detected along the
different inflation courses of SPI. Simultaneously, took the lesion
image at each plateau of PIP, at two assigned locations of oropharynx,
and supra-larynx. All FB images and videos of SPI studies were stored.
For objective evaluation of the lumen changes, the four final captured
lumen images of oropharynx and supra-larynx (including the lesions) each
at different SPI mode were grouped and sent for evaluation. Their lumen
expansion scores were judged independently on a five-point Likert scale
(1 to 5: severe collapsed, collapsed, average, expanded, much expanded)
within one week by five qualified pediatric pulmonologists who blinded
to the sources of these image. The final scores were averaged and
analyzed.
Data of patient demographics, PIP levels, expansion scores and images in
the PLS were all collected for further analysis.