Diagnosis System for Swallowing and Peristalsis Function for Artificial Tongue and Esophagus Development

With the progress of surgical technology, the survival rate after resection of esophageal and tongue carcinomas has improved. However, the surgical protocol for esophageal and tongue surgery is complex, and surgery for elderly esophageal and tongue carcinoma patients with cardiopulmonary dysfunction is difficult. Using an artificial tongue and esophagus will be helpful for patients. However, peristalsis of foods depends on food size, taste, and viscosity. This study developed and evaluated a new diagnosis machine for drinking and peristalsis motion. Before clinical evaluation, animal experiments were performed on healthy adult goats using a stereo camera. After a feasibility study of the diagnosis system for peristalsis, clinical evaluation was conducted on healthy normal volunteers. We observed no aspiration pneumonia. The foods and drinks tested were safe. There was no mis-swallowing, but the participants’ feeling with regard to taste differed. Overall, the results indicated that the quantitative swallowing and peristalsis diagnosis system is safe. Evaluation of the visual imaging and spectral analysis gave us useful information about peristalsis, which will help us design an artificial tongue and esophagus with a good control mechanism in the near future.