Devices for restoring swallowing function, and systems for restoring swallowing function.

Abstract

Invention details;

Description

Swallowing function recovery device and swallowing function recovery system

[0001] The present invention relates to a swallowing function recovery device and a swallowing function recovery system for recovering the function of muscles in the region from the mouth to the pharynx, and particularly for overcoming swallowing disorders by recovering the function.

[0002] It is known that illnesses such as stroke or aging can cause problems such as swallowing disorders. When swallowing disorders occur, saliva, food, and / or gastric juices can enter the trachea. Saliva can also enter the trachea unwittingly while sleeping. This can lead to aspiration pneumonia, a potentially fatal disease in the elderly.

[0003] The function of the tongue muscles can be restored by exercises such as sticking out the tongue, but the various muscles involved in the act of chewing and swallowing cannot be strengthened without actually eating a meal.

[0004] However, because swallowing involves the coordinated action of numerous nerves and muscles in the oral cavity, pharynx, and esophagus, it is currently extremely difficult to feed someone who is unable to eat. Swallowing is divided into three stages, and in the second stage in particular, the tongue, oropharynx, and hypopharyngeal muscles work in coordination, and the only way to restore function is to actually move these muscles. Other muscles involved include the posterior belly of the digastric muscle, anterior belly of the digastric muscle, omohyoid muscle, sternocleidomastoid muscle, clavicular head, masseter muscle, levator scapulae muscle, thyrohyoid muscle, sternothyroid muscle, and scalene muscles.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a device or the like that can efficiently restore the functions of various muscles involved in swallowing function.

[0006] Prior to solving the above problem, the inventor conceived the idea of ​​applying a low-frequency current to the anterior throat region from the body surface or externally, even when not eating, to contract the throat muscles and restore and strengthen muscle strength. However, when applying a low-frequency current to the anterior throat region from the body surface, there was a possibility that the effect of the low-frequency current would only extend to the periphery of the body surface. Therefore, the inventor conceived the idea that applying a low-frequency current through the tongue inside the mouth to the tongue muscles and throat muscles would cause these muscles to contract, thereby restoring and / or strengthening muscle strength.

[0007] The swallowing function recovery device of the present invention comprises: a front throat electrode; a tongue interaction mechanism configured to maintain an electrical connection between the tongue electrode and the tongue of a subject; a front throat interaction mechanism configured to maintain an electrical connection between the front throat electrode and the front throat of the subject; and an EMS signal generator configured to transmit an EMS signal between the tongue electrode and the front throat electrode.

[0008] In this swallowing function recovery device, the tongue interaction mechanism maintains an electrical connection between the tongue of a subject (such as a human or animal) and the tongue conductor, and the anterior throat interaction mechanism maintains an electrical connection between the subject's anterior throat and the anterior throat conductor. "Electrically connected" refers to a state in which an EMS signal or EMS current can be transmitted or passed through the conductor to the subject. "EMS" stands for Electrical Muscle Stimulation. This ensures that the EMS signal or EMS current generated by the EMS signal generator is transmitted or passed between the subject's tongue and anterior throat through the tongue conductor and the anterior throat conductor, respectively. The EMS signal contracts various muscles between the tongue and anterior throat that are involved in the swallowing action, thereby restoring or maintaining the strength or function of those muscles (the subject's ability to swallow).

[0009] In the swallowing function recovery device having the above configuration, it is preferable that the tongue electrodes include a first tongue electrode and a second tongue electrode, and the anterior throat electrodes include a first anterior throat electrode and a second anterior throat electrode, and the EMS signal generator is configured to generate a first EMS signal and a second EMS signal having different frequencies, transmit the first EMS signal between the first tongue electrode and the first anterior throat electrode, and transmit the second EMS signal between the second tongue electrode and the second anterior throat electrode.

[0010] According to the swallowing function recovery device having this configuration, a first EMS signal passed between the first tongue conductor and the first anterior throat conductor and a second EMS signal passed between the second tongue conductor and the second anterior throat conductor, which has a different frequency from the first EMS signal, are mutually interfered with, thereby stimulating the anterior throat muscles with interference waves. In particular, a pulse current can be passed through deep muscle areas in the anterior throat. The tongue muscles are also stimulated with interference waves.

[0011] In the swallowing function recovery device having the above configuration, it is preferable that the anterior throat interaction mechanism includes a neck wrapping member that is wrapped around the neck of the subject.

[0012] According to the swallowing function recovery device having this configuration, the anterior throat electrode is reliably maintained in contact with the anterior throat by wrapping the neck wrapping member around the neck. If the anterior throat electrode is provided displaceably on the neck wrapping member, the position of the anterior throat electrode can be finely adjusted according to differences in the thickness of the subject's neck, etc. The neck wrapping member (e.g., a belt) may be provided with a fastener such as a buckle or a hook-and-loop fastener.

[0013] In the swallowing function recovery device having the above configuration, it is preferable that the anterior throat interaction mechanism includes a neck hanging member that is hung from the back of the neck to the anterior throat of the subject.

[0014] With the swallowing function recovery device having this configuration, the neck-hanging member (clip or neckband) is hung from the back of the neck to the front, so that the anterior throat electrode provided on the neck-hanging member is kept in contact with the anterior throat. The neck-hanging member has the advantage of being easily attached to and detached from the neck or anterior throat.

[0015] In the swallowing function recovery device having the above configuration, it is preferable that the anterior throat interaction mechanism includes an adhesive pad that is configured to be detachably attached to the anterior throat of the subject.

[0016] According to the swallowing function recovery device having this configuration, the anterior throat electrode can be reliably maintained in contact with the anterior throat (skin) of the subject by the adhesive pad. The adhesive pad is detachable from the skin of the anterior throat.

[0017] In the swallowing function recovery device having the above configuration, it is preferable that the anterior throat interaction mechanism includes a suction cup that can be attached and detached to the anterior throat of the subject.

[0018] According to the swallowing function recovery device having this configuration, the electrode can be attached to the skin of the throat by a special structure of the surface that comes into contact with the front of the throat, called a suction cup. The suction cup can be attached to and detached from the skin freely.

[0019] In the swallowing function recovery device having the above configuration, it is preferable that the anterior throat interaction mechanism comprises a base and a pair of extension parts that branch out from the base and extend so as to sandwich the anterior throat of the subject from the left and right, and that the anterior throat electrode is provided on each of the pair of extension parts.

[0020] With this swallowing function recovery device, a pair of extension sections that branch out from a base and extend so as to sandwich the subject's anterior throat from the left and right sides are used to reliably maintain the anterior throat electrodes provided on each of the pair of extension sections in contact with the left and right sides of the anterior throat. The strength of the contact pressure of the anterior throat electrode with the anterior throat and the contact point of the anterior throat electrode with the anterior throat can be adjusted, for example, by moving the base. If the anterior throat electrode is configured as a roller, the anterior throat electrode can be rolled along the muscles that make up the anterior throat and brought into contact with it. This can give the subject a sense of training their swallowing function.

[0021] In the swallowing function recovery device having the above configuration, it is preferable that the tongue interaction mechanism includes a tongue depressor.

[0022] According to the swallowing function recovery device having this configuration, a tongue depressor, which is a tool for holding the tongue when examining the oral cavity and / or esophagus, is used, thereby ensuring that the tongue guide is kept in contact with the tongue. Generally, a stainless steel tongue depressor that is used while being sterilized is used. A disposable wooden tongue depressor may also be used.

[0023] In the swallowing function recovery device having the above configuration, it is preferable that the tongue interaction mechanism includes a finger cot.

[0024] According to the swallowing function recovery device having this configuration, the tongue guide can be reliably maintained in contact with the tongue by using a finger cot attached to the fingers of the subject or a third party.

[0025] In the swallowing function recovery device having the above configuration, it is preferable that the tongue interaction mechanism includes a suction cup that can be attached to and detached from the tongue.

[0026] With this swallowing function recovery device, the suction cup can be easily attached to a tongue wet with saliva, so the tongue guide can be reliably maintained in contact with the subject's tongue. Furthermore, the suction cup can be easily removed from the subject's tongue without any particular difficulty.

[0027] FIG. 1 is a structural explanatory diagram of a swallowing function recovery device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a structural explanatory diagram of a tongue interaction mechanism according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a structural explanatory diagram of a front throat interaction mechanism according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a structural explanatory diagram of a swallowing function recovery device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a structural explanatory diagram of a tongue interaction mechanism according to the second embodiment. FIG. 6 is a structural explanatory diagram of a front throat interaction mechanism according to the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a structural explanatory diagram of a tongue interaction mechanism according to another embodiment. FIG. 8 is a structural explanatory diagram of a tongue interaction mechanism according to another embodiment. FIG. 9 is a structural explanatory diagram of a front throat interaction mechanism according to another embodiment. FIG. 10 is a structural explanatory diagram of a front throat interaction mechanism according to another embodiment.

[0028] (First embodiment) The swallowing function recovery device as the first embodiment of the present invention shown in Figure 1 comprises a tongue electrode 12, a pair of anterior throat electrodes 22, a tongue interaction mechanism 11, an anterior throat interaction mechanism 21, and an EMS signal generator 40.

[0029] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the tongue interaction mechanism 11 is composed of a tongue depressor. As shown in Figure 2, at least a portion of the tongue depressor is made of a conductive material such as stainless steel, and the tongue conductor 12 is made of this conductive material. An electrode made of conductive polyester, which is less likely to cause a tingling sensation, may be used as the tongue conductor 12. The tongue depressor may be made of an insulating material such as wood or synthetic resin, and a portion of the insulating material may be made of a conductive material. The tongue conductor 12 may be made of a metal clip and may be detachably attached to the tongue depressor. When the tongue depressor is pressed against the tongue T of the subject S, an electrical connection between the tongue conductor 12 and the tongue T is maintained. The shape and size of the tongue depressor may be adjusted so that when the subject S holds the tongue depressor in his or her mouth, an electrical connection between the tongue conductor 12 and the tongue T is maintained.

[0030] 1 and 3, the front throat interaction mechanism 21 is configured with a belt as a neck wrapping member. The belt is configured from, for example, leather, natural fibers such as cotton, or synthetic fibers such as polyester. As shown in Fig. 3, a male hook-and-loop fastener 2101 and a female hook-and-loop fastener 2102 are provided at each end of the belt. Instead of the hook-and-loop fastener, a connecting mechanism such as a buckle, a hook, or a snap button may be provided to connect both ends of the belt (or one end and the middle portion).

[0031] A pair of approximately rectangular band-shaped front throat electrodes 22 are arranged on the surface or inside of the belt, spaced apart in the width direction (short direction) of the belt, and extending parallel to the longitudinal direction of the belt. Electrodes made of conductive polyester, which are less likely to cause a tingling sensation to the subject S, may be used as the pair of front throat electrodes 22. The number, shape, size, and arrangement of the front throat electrodes 22 may be modified in various ways. The belt is wrapped around the neck N of the subject S and both ends are connected, thereby maintaining an electrical connection between the front throat F of the subject S and each of the pair of first front throat electrodes 221 and the pair of second front throat electrodes 222.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 1 , the EMS signal generator 40 includes a power supply unit 41, a control unit 42, a pulse generator 43, and an output unit 44. The power supply unit 41 is configured to supply power to the control unit 42 and other components. The control unit 42 is configured as a computer, and its arithmetic processing unit (processor) reads necessary software (programs) and data from a storage device (memory) and executes predetermined arithmetic processing based on the data and in accordance with the software. The pulse generator 43 generates a pulse signal and adjusts its period and / or amplitude in response to commands from the control unit 42 to generate an EMS signal as a pseudo-waveform signal. The EMS signal may be, for example, at least one of a low-frequency electrical signal (20-100 Hz), a medium-frequency electrical signal (1000-10,000 Hz), and a high-frequency electrical signal (10,000-20,000 Hz). The output section 44 is connected to the tongue electrode 12 via a terminal 4401 and a conductor L1, and is connected to each of the pair of anterior throat electrodes 22 via a terminal 4402 and a conductor L2.

[0033] (Effects) With the swallowing function recovery device configured as described above, the tongue interaction mechanism 11 maintains an electrical connection between the tongue T of the subject S (animal such as a human) and the tongue conductor 12, and the anterior throat interaction mechanism 21 maintains a direct or indirect electrical connection between the anterior throat F of the subject S and the pair of anterior throat conductors 22. This ensures that the EMS signal or EMS current generated by the EMS signal generator 40 is reliably transmitted or passed between the tongue T and anterior throat F of the subject S via the tongue conductor 12 and the pair of anterior throat conductors 22. The EMS signal causes various muscles between the tongue T and anterior throat F involved in the swallowing action to contract, thereby restoring or maintaining the strength or function of those muscles (the subject S's muscle strength to swallow).

[0034] The application of the EMS signal to the tongue T and anterior throat F can be performed while the subject S is watching television or reading, making it possible to restore or train the strength of the muscles involved in swallowing function not only at home but also when out and about. When the subject S presses a switch on a remote control for an electrical appliance such as a television, air conditioner, computer, or audio equipment, the control unit 42 detects this via wireless communication between the remote control and the EMS signal generator 40, and in response, an EMS signal may be transmitted between the tongue T and anterior throat F of the subject S.

[0035] (Second embodiment) A swallowing function recovery device as a second embodiment of the present invention shown in Fig. 4 includes a first tongue conductor 121, a second tongue conductor 122, a pair of first anterior throat conductors 221, a pair of second anterior throat conductors 222, a tongue interaction mechanism 11, an anterior throat interaction mechanism 21, and an EMS signal generator 40. Regarding the second embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be described, and the same reference numerals will be used for the same components as in the first embodiment, and descriptions thereof will be omitted where appropriate.

[0036] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the tongue interaction mechanism 11 is composed of a tongue depressor. As shown in Figure 5, a first tongue conductor 121 and a second tongue conductor 122 made of a conductive material are provided at the tip of the tongue depressor base (which is elongated and slightly wider at the tip) made of an insulating material such as wood or synthetic resin. The first tongue conductor 121 and the second tongue conductor 122 may be composed of metal clips and removably attached to the tongue depressor. When the tongue depressor is pressed against the tongue T of the subject S, an electrical connection between the first tongue conductor 121 and the second tongue conductor 122 and the tongue T is maintained. The shape and size of the tongue depressor may be adjusted so that when the subject S holds the tongue depressor in his or her mouth, an electrical connection between the first tongue conductor 121 and the second tongue conductor 122 and the tongue T is maintained.

[0037] The front throat interaction mechanism 21 is composed of a single adhesive pad or adhesive sheet. As shown in FIG. 6 , a pair of substantially rectangular first front throat electrodes 221 are arranged on the surface or inside of the belt, spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the adhesive pad. As shown in FIG. 6 , a pair of substantially rectangular second front throat electrodes 222 are arranged on the surface or inside of the adhesive pad, spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the adhesive pad. Each of the pair of first front throat electrodes 221 and each of the pair of second front throat electrodes 222 are arranged spaced apart in the width direction (short direction) of the adhesive pad. The number, shape, size, and arrangement of the first front throat electrodes 221 and / or second front throat electrodes 222 may be changed in various ways. The front throat interaction mechanism 21 may be composed of multiple adhesive pads or adhesive sheets, with one or more front throat electrodes provided on each adhesive pad. By adhering the adhesive pad to the anterior throat F of the subject S, a state in which EMS signals can be transmitted to the anterior throat F of the subject S is maintained through a pair of first anterior throat electrodes 221 and a pair of second anterior throat electrodes 222.

[0038] As in the first embodiment, the front throat interaction mechanism 21 may be configured by a belt as a neck wrapping member (see FIG. 3 ). In this case, the first front throat electrode 221 and the second front throat electrode 222 may be disposed on the inner surface of the belt or built into the belt.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 4 , the EMS signal generator 40 includes a power supply unit 41, a control unit 42, a first pulse generator 431, a second pulse generator 432, a first output unit 441, and a second output unit 442. The first pulse generator 431 is configured to generate a first EMS signal as a pseudo-waveform signal by generating a pulse signal and adjusting its period and / or amplitude in response to a command from the control unit 42. The second pulse generator 432 is configured to generate a second EMS signal as a pseudo-waveform signal by generating a pulse signal and adjusting its period and / or amplitude in response to a command from the control unit 42. The first EMS signal and the second EMS signal have different frequencies. For example, the first EMS signal may be a low-frequency electrical signal (20 to 100 Hz), and the second EMS signal may be a medium-frequency electrical signal (1000 to 10,000 Hz) or a high-frequency electrical signal (10,000 to 20,000 Hz). The first output section 441 is connected to the first tongue conductor 121 via a terminal 4411 and a conductor L11, and is connected to each of the pair of first anterior throat conductors 221 via a terminal 4412 and a conductor L21. The second output section 442 is connected to the second tongue conductor 122 via a terminal 4421 and a conductor L12, and is connected to each of the pair of second anterior throat conductors 222 via a terminal 4422 and a conductor L22.

[0040] (Effects) In the swallowing function recovery device having this configuration, the tongue interaction mechanism 11 maintains an electrical connection between the tongue T of the subject S (animal such as a human) and the tongue conductor 12, and the anterior throat interaction mechanism 21 maintains a direct or indirect electrical connection between the anterior throat F of the subject S and the pair of first anterior throat conductors 221 and the pair of second anterior throat conductors 222. As a result, a first EMS signal generated by the EMS signal generator 40 and passed between the first tongue conductor 121 and the first anterior throat conductor 221 interferes with a second EMS signal having a different frequency from the first EMS signal and passed between the second tongue conductor 122 and the second anterior throat conductor 222, thereby stimulating the muscles of the anterior throat F and the tongue T with the interference wave. In particular, a pulse current can be passed through a deep muscle portion of the anterior throat F. The influence of the interference waves causes various muscles between the tongue T and the anterior throat F involved in the swallowing action to contract, thereby restoring or maintaining the strength or swallowing function of the muscles.

[0041] 7, the tongue interaction mechanism 11 may be configured as a finger stall. One or more tongue electrodes 12 are provided on the outer surface, inner surface, or internal surface of the tip (the part corresponding to the distal phalanx of the finger) of the finger stall. The finger stall is attached to a finger (e.g., the index finger) of the subject S or a third party so that the tongue electrode 12 faces ventrally, and the ventral side of the tip of the finger stall is pressed against the tongue T of the subject S, thereby reliably maintaining the tongue electrode 12 electrically connected to the tongue T.

[0042] As shown in Fig. 8, the tongue interaction mechanism 11 may be configured with one or more suction cups. One or more tongue conductors 12 are provided on the surface or inside of the suction cups. By adhering the suction cups to the tongue T of the subject S, the tongue conductor 12 can be reliably maintained in a state where it is electrically connected to the tongue T.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 9 , the anterior throat interaction mechanism 21 may be configured as a partially open neck hanging member or clip that is wrapped around the back and front of the neck. The neck hanging member is made of an elastic material such as synthetic resin. The neck hanging member may be configured as a plurality of links connected by one or more joint mechanisms, and the relative position of a pair of links connected by the joint mechanisms may be changed by adjusting the bending angle of the joint mechanisms. A pressing member 212 is provided at each of a pair of ends of the neck hanging member. The pressing member 212 may be made of a soft material such as sponge or silicone rubber, or an elastic material. A front throat electrode 22 is provided on the surface or inside of each of the pair of pressing members 212 on the anterior throat F side. As shown by the arrows in FIG. 9 , the pair of left and right pressing members 212 may be configured to slide along the neck hanging member. Because the neck hanging member is made of an elastic material, the pressing member 212 can be reliably abutted against the anterior throat F of the subject S. The pressing member 212 may be omitted, and one or more front throat electrodes 22 may be provided on the surface or inside of the neck-hanging member.

[0044] As shown in Fig. 10, the front throat interaction mechanism 21 may be composed of one or more suction cups. One or more front throat electrodes 22 are provided on the surface or inside of the suction cup. The multiple suction cups may be independent of each other, or may be connected by a connecting member. The connecting member may be formed by the neck hanging member in the embodiment of Fig. 9, and one or more suction cups may be provided on each of both ends of the neck hanging member as the front throat interaction mechanism 21. By adhering the suction cups to the front throat F of the subject S, the front throat electrode 22 can be reliably maintained in a state where it is electrically connected to the front throat F.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 11 , the front throat interaction mechanism 21 may include a base 210 and a pair of extensions 211 that branch from the tip of the base 210 and extend to sandwich the front throat F of the subject S from the left and right. At least one pair of extensions 211 of the front throat interaction mechanism 21 is configured to have elasticity using a material such as synthetic resin or metal. Each of the pair of extensions 211 is provided with a pressing member 212. The pressing member 212 may be configured with a soft or elastic material such as sponge or silicone rubber. A front throat electrode 22 is provided on the surface or inside of each of the pair of pressing members 212 on the front throat F side. The base 210 is provided with a switch 214 for switching the operation of the EMS signal generator 40 ON / OFF. The EMS signal generator 40 may be built into the base 210.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 12 , the front throat interaction mechanism 21 may include a base 210 and a pair of extensions 211 that branch from the tip of the base 210 and extend to sandwich the front throat F of the subject S from the left and right. At least one pair of extensions 211 of the front throat interaction mechanism 21 is configured to have elasticity using a material such as synthetic resin or metal. Each of the pair of extensions 211 is provided with a pressing member 212. The pressing member 212 is configured with a rotation shaft 2121 and a substantially cylindrical or columnar roller 2122 that rotates around the rotation shaft 2121. The roller 2122 may be formed in a substantially spherical or regular polyhedral shape. The roller 2122 may be configured from a hard material such as synthetic resin, ceramics, and / or metal. A substantially cylindrical front throat electrode 22 is provided along the outer periphery of the roller 2122. A plurality of front throat electrodes 22 may be arranged spaced apart from one another along the outer periphery of the roller 2122 .

[0047] The swallowing function recovery device according to the present invention contributes to industry by using EMS signals to recover the function of various muscles involved in the swallowing function of a subject, and can be applied to not only humans but also animals such as dogs and cats.

[0048] 11: Tongue interaction mechanism 12: Tongue electrode 121: First tongue electrode 122: Second tongue electrode 21: Anterior throat interaction mechanism 22: Anterior throat electrode 221: First anterior throat electrode 222: Second anterior throat electrode 40: EMS signal generator 41: Power supply unit 42: Control unit 431: First pulse generator 432: Second pulse generator 44: Output unit 441: First output unit 442: Second output unit.

[0049] F: Anterior throat N: Neck S: Subject T: Tongue.

Claims

DEPCT681. Device for restoring swallowing function, comprising: tongue guides, anterior pharyngeal guides, an inter-tongue mechanism designed to maintain the electrical connection between the tongue guides and the organism's tongue, anterior pharyngeal inter-tongue mechanism designed to maintain the electrical connection between the anterior pharyngeal guides and the organism's anterior pharynx, and an EMS signal generator designed to transmit EMS signals between the tongue guides and the anterior pharyngeal guides. 2.A device for restoring swallowing function under claim 1 in which the first and second lingual guides are arranged as lingual guides, the first and second anterior pharyngeal guides are arranged as anterior pharyngeal guides, and an EMS signal generator is configured to generate an EMS signal 1 and an EMS signal 2 of different frequencies, to transmit the EMS signal 1 between the first lingual guides and the first anterior pharyngeal guides and to transmit the EMS signal 2 between the second lingual guides and the second anterior pharyngeal guides.

3. A device for restoring swallowing function under either claim 1 or 2 in which the interaction mechanisms of the anterior pharynx include the main pharyngeal envelope which is enclosed around the pharynx of the organism. 4.

5. A device for the restoration of swallowing function under either claim 1 or 2 in which the mechanism of interaction of the anterior pharynx includes a primary hanging device which is suspended from the posterior pharynx to the anterior pharynx of the organism.

6. A device for the restoration of swallowing function under either claim 1 or 2 in which the mechanism of interaction of the anterior pharynx includes a suppository that provides a structure for attachment to and detachment from the anterior pharynx of the organism. 7.

8. A device for the restoration of swallowing function under either claim 1 or 2 in which the interoperating mechanism of the anterior pharynx includes the base and a pair of extensions which extend from the base in a bipolar manner to intersect the anterior pharynx of the organism from the left and right, and anterior pharyngeal guides are provided on each pair of extensions.

9. A device for the restoration of swallowing function under either claim 1 or 2 in which the interoperating mechanism of the tongue includes a tongue depressor.

10. A device for the restoration of swallowing function under either claim 1 or 2 in which the interoperating mechanism of the tongue includes a finger guard.

11. A device for the restoration of swallowing function under either claim 1 or 2 in which the interoperating mechanism of the tongue includes a suction cup that can be attached to and detached from the tongue.The system for restoring swallowing function consists of: the tongue guiding device, the anterior pharyngeal guiding device, the interlingual mechanism of the tongue that structures to maintain the state in which EMS signals are delivered to the organism's tongue via the tongue guiding device, the interlingual mechanism of the anterior pharyngeal guiding device that structures to maintain the state in which EMS signals are delivered to the organism's anterior pharyngeal guiding device via the anterior pharyngeal guiding device, and the EMS signal generator, where the EMS signal generated by the EMS signal generator is structured for transmission between the tongue guiding device and the anterior pharyngeal guiding device.12.The system for restoring swallowing function under claim 11, whereby the first and second lingual guides are arranged as lingual guides, the first and second anterior pharyngeal guides are arranged as anterior pharyngeal guides, and the EMS signal generator is configured to generate EMS signal one and EMS signal two of different frequencies, to transmit EMS signal one between the first lingual guides and the first anterior pharyngeal guides and to allow EMS signal two to flow between the second lingual guides and the second anterior pharyngeal guides;

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