Individuals with high level spinal cord injury (SCI) have limited options for assistive control of their environments due in part to limited signal diversity for computer interface of patients'volitional motor systems. The tongue, a motor system capable of executing diverse movements under voluntary control, is spared in patients with high SCI and is thus a natural substrate for computer interfacing in quadriplegics. We have developed the tongue drive system (TDS) to allow unencumbered translation of tongue movements in real time for computer interfacing via a titanium-encased magnet (Ti-Mag) affixed to the tongue. Despite our technological innovation, TDS application in humans is precluded by a lack of information on Ti-Mag implant bio-compatibility and safety.
In Specific Aim 1, we test the effect of implant design (size, shape, surfacing) and location on implant migration and tissue reaction in a rabbit model with a scaled implant to more closely reflect implant/tongue ratio in humans.
In Specific Aim 2, using optimal parameters defined in Specific Aim 1, we quantitatively assess the anatomical and molecular responses to Ti-Mag implantation and explantation. We additionally test for possible deficit of tongue function due to implantation and explantation by quantitatively assessing changes in tongue lick performance.
In Specific Aim 3 we test anatomical, molecular and physiological responses to Ti-Mag implantation and explantation in the mini-pig using a device designed for human application. We hypothesize that implantation and explantation under optimized parameters will produce only minor and local tissue reaction (e.g., device encapsulation) and will not impair measureable tongue function. Demonstration of device biocompatibility and safety is requisite to direct testing in humans with quadriplegia.

Public Health Relevance

The goal of this study is to test, in animal models, optimization parameters, biocompatibility and safety of a titanium-encased magnet for implantation in the human tongue body for assistive technology interventions in persons with spinal cord injury.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB)
Type
Exploratory/Developmental Grants (R21)
Project #
5R21EB016662-02
Application #
8724497
Study Section
Motor Function, Speech and Rehabilitation Study Section (MFSR)
Program Officer
Hunziker, Rosemarie
Project Start
2013-09-01
Project End
2015-08-31
Budget Start
2014-09-01
Budget End
2015-08-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2014
Total Cost
$181,798
Indirect Cost
$40,740
Name
Emory University
Department
Physiology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
066469933
City
Atlanta
State
GA
Country
United States
Zip Code
30322
Sargolzaei, Saman; Elahi, Hassan; Sokoloff, Alan et al. (2017) A Dual-Mode Magnetic-Acoustic System for Monitoring Fluid Intake Behavior in Animals. IEEE Trans Biomed Eng 64:2090-2097
Sokoloff, Alan J; Yang, Zhongtao; Sargolzaei, Saman et al. (2017) Magnetic implants in the tongue for assistive technologies: Tests of migration; oromotor function; and tissue response in miniature pigs. Arch Oral Biol 81:81-89
Mimche, Sylive; Ahn, Dukju; Kiani, Mehdi et al. (2016) Tongue implant for assistive technologies: Test of migration, tissue reactivity and impact on tongue function. Arch Oral Biol 71:1-9
Viseh, Sina; Ghovanloo, Maysam; Mohsenin, Tinoosh (2015) Toward an Ultralow-Power Onboard Processor for Tongue Drive System. IEEE Trans Circuits Syst II Express Briefs 62:174-178
Park, Hangue; Ghovanloo, Maysam (2014) Wireless Communication of Intraoral Devices and Its Optimal Frequency Selection. IEEE Trans Microw Theory Tech 62:3205-3215