Medical care
Aspiration pneumonia is one of the major causes of death in JapanI's aging population. This pneumonia occurs when water, food, or gastroesophageal reflux disease enters the lungs through aspiration, causing bacterial growth and inflammation. In other words, aspiration pneumonia is caused by dysphagia. Currently, diagnostic tests for people with impaired swallowing function are usually performed by X-ray examinations that must be performed in hospitals to ensure patient safety.
The movement of the hyoid bone that causes swallowing function is known to have components in the elevational and anteroposterior directions. Piezoelectric braided cord is incorporated into the fabric in the form of blades to sense the complex movements of the pharynx in real time.
Embroidered piezoelectric braided cord for sensing movement associated with the movement of the epiglottis.
Piezoelectric braided cord for sensing movements associated with pharyngeal movements.
Using piezoelectric braided cord, we measure swallowing function in daily life without placing a burden on the person being measured. This allows us to identify swallowing functional decline and to improve dietary habits.
