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Updated: Mar 2, 2026
In Vivo Evaluation of the Mechanical and Viscoelastic Properties of the Rat Tongue
Published on: July 6, 2017
Magnetic implants in the tongue for assistive technologies: Tests of migration; oromotor function; and tissue
Alan J Sokoloff1, Zhongtao Yang2, Saman Sargolzaei2
1Department of Physiology, Emory University School of Medicine, 615 Michael St., Atlanta, GA 30322, United States.
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.
