To enhance the well-being of oral cancer patients who have undergone total glossectomy procedures (removal of the tongue), it is necessary to minimize the impairments caused and the hardships of rehabilitation. Glossectomies cause eating and communication difficulties combined with facial disfigurement which produce anxiety, sadness, and embarrassment, leading to social reclusion and psycho-social-affective disorders. Over 58,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with oral/oropharyngeal cancer and approximately 12,000 deaths are reported each year, making it the sixth most common type of cancer in the world. The objective of this study is to provide more independence to patients while making eating feel more natural. Current tongue prostheses have little to no function and mostly serve aesthetic purposes. Previous iterations worked to create an artificial tongue to help swallow a bolus through pneumatic, magnetic, gear train, and linkage mechanisms. However, those iterations failed to fully miniaturize their systems into self-contained mechanisms that fit within the oral cavity. The new iteration described in this paper showcases a self-contained prosthesis that mimics natural movements to help glossectomees regain safe and effective swallowing capabilities. After a review of relevant literature, previous iterations, and stakeholder feedback the tongue prosthesis was redesigned. It employs a mechanism with two rotating cams that successively lift the tongue, composed of seven linkages, from anterior to posterior. The system also includes two micromotors, an Arduino Nano microcontroller, batteries, and a motor driver, which are all contained within a custom retainer. These components allow miniaturization of the electrical system and ensure the prosthesis is self-contained. By adopting this actuation system, the flexibility and mobility of the prosthesis is significantly improved. This design approach combines the goals of miniaturization and functionality, producing a more adaptable and user-friendly artificial tongue. Another important consideration for this iteration was to bring awareness and honor the struggles faced by glossectomees. Stakeholder feedback was collected and analyzed to develop a design that truly catered to the needs of glossectomees, healthcare professionals, and caregivers. The team interviewed a total glossectomee, speech therapists, and gathered responses from a survey sent to a support group. Through the acquired data, the team gained a greater understanding of the importance of speech and the isolating effects of its absence. Healthcare professionals also provided insight into the importance of education and utilizing existing anatomy to extend the project beyond total glossectomees. The report will describe the design process, testing, outcomes, challenges, feedback gathered from stakeholders, and future recommendations.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• DeWitt, Li
• Queiroz Diniz, Deborah
• Santana, Mylla
• Macomber, Avery

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-050124-181145
• 122347

Keyword

• Prosthesis
• Tongue
• Total Glossectomy
• Oral Cancer

Advisor

• Radhakrishnan, Pradeep
• Albrecht, Dirk

Year

• 2024

Date created

• 2024-05-01

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Mechanical Engineering
• Biomedical Engineering
• Electrical & Computer Engineering

Source

• E-project-050124-181145

Rights statement

• In Copyright