A Novel Mechanical Nitinol Prosthetic Tongue
Methods: Superelastic nitinol wires (e.g., 0.012-0.015” for our current prototypes) were formed into the desired shapes by applying a mechanical shape setting process, the so-called stressinduced martensitic transformation. Nitinol or other metal frame was constructed and small composite tubes were fixed on the frame in order to guide the moving nitinol wires to the desired position. This guide tube design enables the nitinol wire lattice structure to bulge upwards.
Results: Prototypes have been successfully developed and tested. The exerted pressures induced by tongue expansion were evaluated using a pressure measurement test system. The average pressure applied by the artificial tongue is 28.8kPa, which approaches physiologic goal tongue pressures reported by other groups.
Conclusion: A novel mechanical prosthetic tongue has been developed using superelastic nitinol, which may represent a novel alternative treatment for the patients who have oral or oropharyngeal based dysphagia.