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Swallowing assessment and improvement systems and methods

  • US 9,974,473 B2
  • Filed: 10/21/2016
  • Issued: 05/22/2018
  • Est. Priority Date: 08/12/2013
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A system for assessing swallowing function, comprising:

  • a) an intraoral device comprising an adjustably bendable metal frame configured to be placed in a subject'"'"'s mouth, said device, when placed in the subject'"'"'s mouth having a central linear portion comprising a proximal end positioned towards an anterior opening of a mouth and a distal end positioned towards a back of the mouth;

    a first pressure sensor positioned on a first region of said frame; and

    a second pressure sensor positioned on a second region of said central linear portion of said frame near said distal end of said central linear portion, wherein said second region of said central linear portion of said frame positions said second pressure sensor at a boundary between a subject'"'"'s hard and soft palate when said intraoral device is placed into a subject'"'"'s mouth; and

    b) a computing device comprising a display and comprising a processor in electronic communication with said pressure sensors wherein said processor displays a diagnostic and therapeutic protocol to said subject that instructs said subject to actuate said pressure sensors with the subject'"'"'s tongue over a period of time to improve lingual strength, wherein said protocol comprises;

    i) determining baseline maximum tongue pressure on said first or second pressure sensor;

    ii) selecting a therapeutic goal;

    iii) during a first time period, directing a plurality of tongue press repetitions of said first and second sensors at a pressure that is a percentage of said baseline maximum tongue pressure;

    iv) during a later second time period, directing a plurality of tongue press repetitions of said first and second sensors at a pressure that is an increased percentage of said baseline maximum tongue pressure;

    v) during a later third time period, re-measuring maximum lingual pressures at said first and second sensors and selecting a new therapeutic goal that is a percentage based the re-measured maximum lingual pressures; and

    vi) directing a plurality of tongue press repetitions of said first and second sensors based on said new therapeutic goal; and

    vii) repeating steps v) and vi) one or more times.

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