A prosthetic tongue device secures a metal frame to the lower dental arch and supports a braided lattice of superelastic nitinol wires that pass through specially angled guide tubes. As the patient bites, the tubes redirect wire motion upward and backward, causing the lattice to bulge in zones that replicate tongue elevation and posterior propulsion of a food bolus. A flexible, washable covering conceals the nitinol mesh and provides a smooth, food-safe contact surface. By harvesting mandible-closing force, the mechanism initiates and assists the swallow reflex without any external power source or batteries.
Description
This technology stands out by combining mechanical simplicity with biomimetic control. The use of superelastic nitinol wires shaped and sequenced by the guide tubes allows for precise timing of bulging zones—mimicking the complex wave-like motion of a natural tongue. Custom-molded anchoring frames ensure patient comfort and retention, while removable covers facilitate hygiene. Unlike electronic or pump-driven prostheses, this design offers reliable, maintenance-free operation powered solely by natural chewing forces, reducing risk and complexity. Its modularity and passive actuation make it uniquely suited for long-term rehabilitation in dysphagia patients.
Applications
- Dysphagia rehabilitation device
-Post-surgical swallowing assist
-Radiation-induced dysphagia treatment
-Geriatric swallowing dysfunction aid
-Tongue function augmentation device
Advantages
- Utilizes natural jaw-closing force to power tongue elevation and aid swallowing without external power
- Mimics native tongue motion through sequential, zoned bulging of the nitinol lattice
- Custom-fitted metal frame and flexible cover ensure comfort, secure retention, and hygiene
- Removable, washable covering simplifies cleaning and maintenance
- May reduce or eliminate need for gastrostomy tubes, improving patient quality of life
- Mechanical design offers high reliability with minimal moving parts and no batteries
- Adaptable principle can be applied to other muscle-powered prosthetic devices
IP Status
https://patents.google.com/patent/US10582995B2
