Alan J Sokoloff1, Zhongtao Yang2, Saman Sargolzaei2, Karen Strait3, Andrey Krasnopeyev3, Kirk A Easley4, Sylvie Mimche5, Maysam Ghovanloo2. 1. Department of Physiology, Emory University School of Medicine, 615 Michael St., Atlanta, GA 30322, United States. Electronic address: asokolo@emory.edu. 2. School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 85 Fifth Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30308, United States. 3. Division of Animal Resources, Emory University School of Medicine, 615 Michael St., Atlanta, GA 30322, United States. 4. Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Emory Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States. 5. Department of Physiology, Emory University School of Medicine, 615 Michael St., Atlanta, GA 30322, United States.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Uncertain biological consequences of titanium-magnet (Ti-mag) tongue implants constrain application of the Tongue Drive System (TDS), a brain-tongue-computer interface for individuals with severe physical impairment. Here we describe oromotor function and tongue tissue response following Ti-Mag implantation and explantation in the miniature pig, an animal model with a tongue similar in size to humans. DESIGN: A 1.8×6.2mm Ti-mag tracer was implanted into the anterior tongue in five Yucatan minipigs. X-rays were taken immediately and >six days after implantation to evaluate tracer migration. In three minipigs, the tracer was explanted >16days after implantation. Twenty-five days post-explantation, tongue tissue was harvested and processed for histological and immunohistochemical (IHC) markers of healing. In two minipigs tissue markers of healing were evaluated post-mortem following >12days implantation. Drink cycle rate (DCR) was characterized to determine the impact of procedures on oromotor function. RESULTS: Neither implantation (N=5) nor explantation (N=3) changed DCR. X-rays revealed minimal tracer migration (N=4, 0-4mm). By histology and IHC a robust capsule was present two weeks post-implantation with limited fibrosis. Explantation produced localized fibrosis and limited muscle remodeling. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest the safety of Ti-mag anterior tongue implants for assistive technologies in humans.
OBJECTIVE: Uncertain biological consequences of titanium-magnet (Ti-mag) tongue implants constrain application of the Tongue Drive System (TDS), a brain-tongue-computer interface for individuals with severe physical impairment. Here we describe oromotor function and tongue tissue response following Ti-Mag implantation and explantation in the miniature pig, an animal model with a tongue similar in size to humans. DESIGN: A 1.8×6.2mm Ti-mag tracer was implanted into the anterior tongue in five Yucatan minipigs. X-rays were taken immediately and >six days after implantation to evaluate tracer migration. In three minipigs, the tracer was explanted >16days after implantation. Twenty-five days post-explantation, tongue tissue was harvested and processed for histological and immunohistochemical (IHC) markers of healing. In two minipigs tissue markers of healing were evaluated post-mortem following >12days implantation. Drink cycle rate (DCR) was characterized to determine the impact of procedures on oromotor function. RESULTS: Neither implantation (N=5) nor explantation (N=3) changed DCR. X-rays revealed minimal tracer migration (N=4, 0-4mm). By histology and IHC a robust capsule was present two weeks post-implantation with limited fibrosis. Explantation produced localized fibrosis and limited muscle remodeling. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest the safety of Ti-mag anterior tongue implants for assistive technologies in humans.
Authors: Samuel M Felton; Terry A Gaige; Thomas Benner; Ruopeng Wang; Timothy G Reese; Van J Wedeen; Richard J Gilbert Journal: J Biomech Date: 2008-05-05 Impact factor: 2.712
Authors: Shaina Devi Holman; Danielle R Waranch; Regina Campbell-Malone; Peng Ding; Estela M Gierbolini-Norat; Stacey L Lukasik; Rebecca Z German Journal: J Neurophysiol Date: 2013-05-01 Impact factor: 2.714