"This is a prime example of how patients benefit directly from scientific advances, while our staff help shape the future of healthcare, both within Tallaght University Hospital (TUH) and across the wider hospital network," according to the hospital’s Head of Innovation, Dr Natalie Cole, speaking in recent weeks as TUH implemented Phagenyx, an innovative treatment for severe dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) among acute stroke and critical care patients.
Dysphagia is a serious condition that can lead to chest infections, pneumonia, malnutrition, dehydration, increased mortality and reduced quality of life. It can significantly prolong hospital stays, which impacts patient recovery and places additional pressure on bed availability, a critical issue for hospitals working to meet growing demand.
The initiative, led by the Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) Department, is being showcased at a major European Conference focusing on European Society for Swallowing Disorders (ESSD), marking a significant milestone in TUH’s commitment to pioneering healthcare solutions.
Included in the feedback from patients who reflected on the experience of undergoing the treatment, was a comment from on individual who explained that
“ the treatment made a life-changing difference to me. Being able to eat and drink again felt like getting part of my life back."
In 2023, Tallaght University Hospital Foundation (TUHF) introduced the ‘Ignite for Impact’ initiative with the aim of recognising and promoting innovative healthcare projects within TUH. The funding support provided through this initiative proved instrumental in advancing this pioneering project and enabled the hospital to acquire the Phagenyx system, which uses targeted electrical stimulation to promote neuroplastic recovery in the brain and restore safe swallowing function, with staff undergoing training in the delivery of the treatment.
The treatment is delivered via a dual-function catheter that also serves as a nasogastric feeding tube. Patients receive ten-minute sessions over three to six days. Most importantly, the treatment does not require active patient participation, making it suitable for individuals who may be sedated, receiving respiratory support, or unable to engage in traditional rehabilitation due to cognitive or neurological impairments. This means treatment for a patient’s recovery can start in the intensive care or hyper-acute stroke setting, where timely treatment can be critical to recovery.
During the pilot stage, nine patients were treated. Eight were unable to safely consume any food or fluids before the treatment started. Post-treatment results were striking. Aspiration (food/fluids entering the lungs) rates dropped from 89% to 33%. A total of 77% of patients returned to full oral intake by discharge and NG/RIG feeding tubes were removed in 77% of cases.
Douglas Collins, CEO, Tallaght University Hospital Foundation, noted how it was “incredibly rewarding to see the tangible impact of this funding in action. This project is making a real difference in the lives of patients, and it exemplifies exactly what we hoped to achieve when we launched the programme, supporting innovation that transforms care and delivers lasting change.”
Kelly Crowley, TUHF Head of Development, added that “TUHF is delighted to support the acquisition of the Phagenyx system through our ‘Ignite for Impact’ grants initiative. It is only with the generosity of our donors that we can continue to support Tallaght University Hospital to innovate healthcare and create meaningful impact for our patients.”
A research study is now underway to further evaluate patient outcomes and financial impact.