Visualization of swallowing mechanics by 4D-computer graphics and its application to treatment of dysphagia

2016 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 15K15620
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Challenging Exploratory Research
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Otorhinolaryngology
• Research Institution: Kochi University
• Principal Investigator: HYODO Masamitsu 高知大学, 教育研究部医療学系臨床医学部門, 教授 (00181123)
• Research Collaborator: KIKUCHI Takahiro 武蔵野赤十字病院 ; HIROSE Kahori 高知大学, 教育研究部 ; NAGAO Asuka 高知大学, 教育研究部 ; NAKAHIRA Maya 高知大学, 医学部附属病院リハビリテーション部
• Project Period (FY): 2015-04-01 – 2017-03-31
• Keywords: コンピューター・グラフィクス / 4次元CG / 嚥下運動の可視化 / 高解像度マノメトリー

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In this study, we created 3D images of swallowing organs including the mandible, tongue, pharynx, and larynx based on the data by multi-row detector type CT. Based on this, computer graphics (CG) was made to visualize movement of the pharynx and larynx during swallowing as a 4D image. Then, by transferring the bolus as an aggregate of particles from the oral cavity to the pharynx, we could observe the movements of the swallowing organ and the bolus from an arbitrary direction.
Next, we created CG on an elderly patient showing aspiration. The position of the larynx was lower than that of healthy subjects. And, laryngeal elevation during swallowing, epiglottic flexion disturbance, and aspiration of the bolus was confirmed. By transferring the bolus from the oral cavity to the pharynx, it was possible to visualize the timing of aspiration and the mismatch between the movements of the swallowing organs and the bolus.

Free Research Field

耳鼻咽喉科