The Technological Development to Fight Dysphagia
Many people – mainly the elderly, and those who experienced cerebrovascular accident or stroke in particular – may suffer from a medical phenomenon known as dysphagia: a difficulty in swallowing due to muscle weakness, which impedes the ability to eat safely and effectively.
Swallowing disorders may have severe implications for a person’s health and quality of life – including dehydration, malnutrition, pneumonitis, suffocation, and death. Swallowing disorders, of various degrees of severity, are prevalent among 15% of the general population, and this prevalence increases with age and as a result of various illnesses. Swallowing rehabilitation is a complex process which requires time and dedicated manpower and devices.
Under the scope of their final project, Chen Shamir and Raz Yanko, students at the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Be’er Sheva campus, developed a 3D-printed device to help treat dysphagia and strengthen the muscles of the face and neck. The device was developed as part of a collaboration with Alona Ron, speech therapist and Coordinator of the Rehabilitation in Hospitalization Field at Soroka Medical Center’s Rehabilitation Department.
“What makes the device unique is its design and control,” Shamir explains. “It is easy and convenient to use, and increases the rehabilitative process’ chances of success. Additionally, the 3D laboratory established at Soroka allows the product to be made accessible for clinicians and patients, out of an innovative perception of personally-tailored medicine.”
The final project is supervised by Dr. Nir Trabelsi, Dr. Zuk Turbovich and product designer Naama Agassi. The product was already presented at an exhibition of innovative developments in the world of medicine, within the scope of the Research and Innovation Week recently held under the auspices of the Soroka Medical Center.
Shamir further says that the aspiration is for patients to be able to use this device at home. “We’ve received some very good feedback from physicians and staff who tried the device out. Now we must operate a trial array, and we hope to continue advancing it. In addition to the rehabilitative process, the device allows strengthening the face and neck muscles in the healthy population. Like other muscles in the human body, facial muscles also require training to prevent facial droop, maintain skin elasticity and prevent the “double chin” phenomenon and wrinkles. We are examining the possibility of integrating the device into cosmetic procedures as well”.
