Tongue base augmentation to improve swallow function in a cadaveric model.

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology and Speech Pathology
• Biomaterials and Medical Devices

Background:

• Swallowing impairment due to tongue base atrophy affects quality of life.
• Current management options for tongue base atrophy are limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility of Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA) injection for tongue base augmentation.
• To assess the impact of CaHA augmentation on pharyngeal area and tongue base proximity to the pharyngeal wall.

Main Methods:

• A fresh human cadaver was used for the procedure.
• Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA) was injected into the tongue base under flexible endoscopic guidance.
• Fluoroscopic images were obtained pre- and post-injection to measure anatomical changes.

Main Results:

• CaHA injection was easily performed without extrusion.
• Pharyngeal area decreased from 24.36 to 23.14 cm² post-augmentation.
• Tongue base to pharyngeal wall distance decreased from 2.21 to 1.32 cm post-augmentation.

Conclusions:

• Tongue base augmentation with CaHA appears feasible for managing swallowing impairment.
• CaHA may serve as an adjuvant therapy for tongue base atrophy.
• Further research is needed to confirm clinical safety and efficacy.