Application of shape memory alloys in facial nerve paralysis

Breedon, P ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1006-0942 and Vloeberghs, M, 2009. Application of shape memory alloys in facial nerve paralysis. Australasian Medical Journal, 1 (11), pp. 129-135.

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Abstract

Background: The Facial Nerve can be damaged at a peripheral level by a stroke or, for example by trauma or infection within the face or the ear. In these cases the facial muscles are paralysed with little or no chance of spontaneous recovery. This research focuses on the potential utilisation of a Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) to replace the function of the Facial Nerve, which will allow in conjunction with passive reconstructive methods, a patient to regain limited but active movement of the mouth corner. Paralysis of the mouth corner is a very disabling both functionally and cosmetically, speech and swallowing are hampered and the patient loses saliva, with presents a social problem. Methods This work addresses the design activity by implementing a methodology utilising integrated methods for achieving successful product engineering. Research and development is related to the investigation of the utilisation of an SMA to supplement the “passive” technique. Operational design and development work has already been undertaken in relation to a SMA being controlled by a dedicated electronic control interface and power supply. The interface measures the active potential of the healthy Zygomatic muscle by means of electromyography (EMG) and produces a signal to control the actuation of the SMA. The research centres on the entire device ultimately being implantable, similar to a pacemaker or deep brain stimulator.

Item Type:	Journal article
Publication Title:	Australasian Medical Journal
Creators:	Breedon, P. and Vloeberghs, M.
Publisher:	Australasian Medical Journal
Date:	2009
Volume:	1
Number:	11
Identifiers:	Number Type 10.4066/AMJ.2009.86 DOI
Divisions:	Schools > School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment
Record created by:	EPrints Services
Date Added:	09 Oct 2015 10:26
Last Modified:	09 Jun 2017 13:30
URI:	https://irep.ntu.ac.uk/id/eprint/12990

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