WO2023275082A1

WO2023275082A1 - Device for capturing pharyngolaryngeal activity

Info

Publication number: WO2023275082A1
Application number: PCT/EP2022/067782
Authority: WO
Inventors: Nicolas Perrin; Fabrice NEVEU; Maxime LE COZ; Linda NICOLINI
Original assignee: Swallis Médical
Priority date: 2021-06-28
Filing date: 2022-06-28
Publication date: 2023-01-05
Also published as: FR3124372B1; FR3124372A1

Abstract

According to one aspect, the invention relates to a device for capturing pharyngolaryngeal activity of a patient, the device being configured to be placed around the neck of the patient and comprising at least a microphone, an accelerometer and an electronic measuring board, the device comprising at least one part for holding it at the neck of the patient, the microphone being included in said holding part, characterised in that the device further comprises a mobile part, the mobile part comprising at least one flexible connecting part and being connected to the holding part by said flexible connecting part, the accelerometer being included in the mobile part.

Description

DESCRIPTION

TITLE: Device for capturing pharyngolaryngeal activity

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The technical field of the invention is that of the detection of pharyngolaryngeal activity.

The present invention relates to a device for capturing the swallowing, phonation and breathing of a patient, and in particular a device configured to be placed around the patient's neck comprising a mobile part receiving an accelerometer.

TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Patients with swallowing disorders, also called "dysphagia", have difficulty swallowing food, for example due to lack of coordination in the flow of food between the mouth and the stomach passing through the pharynx. and the oesophagus, and risks of misdirection. Regarding false routes, we speak of penetration if the food enters the larynx but remains above the glottis, the vocal cords, and of aspiration if it passes the vocal cords. Aspiration causes a bodily response, normally a cough, but if there is a sensory disorder, neurological disorder, or other, the aspiration may be coughless and therefore silent.

[0004] Dysphagia can, for example, appear in patients after a cerebrovascular accident ("CVA"), after a cranio-cerebral trauma ("TCC"), or in patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease or neurodegenerative disease such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.

[0005] In order to detect the level of dysphagia of a patient, for example to assess the risk of miscarriage, the type, the cause and/or the level of severity of the dysphagia, numerous examination methods have been developed. .

[0006] The study of swallowing accelerometry was developed in particular in response to a need for non-invasive methods for evaluating dysphagia, particularly thanks to the miniaturization and improvement of the precision of electronic accelerometers. Collar devices comprising an accelerometer have been developed for the acquisition of swallowing accelerometry signals at the level of the larynx. In fact, swallowing can be divided into three phases: the oral phase of swallowing is voluntary and includes posterior movement of the tongue and hyoid bone, the laryngopharyngeal phase is automatic and reflex and includes laryngeal movement, elevation of the hyoid bone, closing of the epiglottis and passage of the bolus to the esophageal orifice, and the esophageal phase is reflex and includes peristaltic contraction, repositioning of the hyoid bone and larynx, and reopening of the epiglottis.

[0007] The capture of these signals allows their processing by computer and their characterization with respect to these three phases of swallowing, and automatic classification techniques have thus been applied to these signals in the state of the art for the detection of dysphagia, aspiration, silent aspiration and/or for the assessment of the level of dysphagia.

[0008] Such collar devices may further comprise a laryngeal sound sensor, for example a microphone, for the measurement of swallowing sound, for example in order to filter and analyze the sounds of breathing, coughing and related sounds. in the patient's voice. The microphone can also allow the detection of swallowing by detecting the sound generated by the movements of the anatomical structures related to the laryngeal ascent corresponding to the ascent of the larynx when the bolus is located in the oropharynx and / or the hypopharynx, the upper sphincter opening sound corresponding to the transit of the bolus through the upper sphincter, and the laryngeal release sound corresponding to the descent and opening of the larynx when the bolus has reached the esophagus, as described by Sylvain Morinière et al in “Origin of the Sound Components During Pharyngeal Swallowing in Normal Subjects”, Dysphagia, 2008.

[0009] These collar devices can be used for the detection and analysis of swallowing in a patient suffering from dysphagia, or for the evaluation of swallowing rehabilitation exercises. In the detection and analysis of swallows, a user wears a collar device for which the data is generally captured by an accelerometer and/or a microphone. These collar devices offer some level of detection of swallowing, speaking or breathing, but could be improved. Indeed, the data captured by the accelerometer can be partially altered by the positioning of said accelerometer, as well as the pressure and the tightening exerted by the collar and the accelerometer on the patient's neck. Improper placement of the accelerometer on the collar would also not accurately track the back and forth movement of the patient's anatomical structures during swallowing. Moreover, the movements of other structures, that is to say those included at the level of the collar, can also be disadvantageously picked up by the accelerometer.

[0010]There is therefore a need to be able to study the swallowing, phonation and breathing of a patient in a more complete and precise manner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention offers a solution to the problems mentioned above, by allowing better detection and analysis of the physiological signals of pharyngolaryngeal activities, and in particular of swallowing, taking into account and isolating the various movements of the neck, in particular of the thyroid cartilage and cricoid cartilage as well as the sound signals emitted by these pharyngolaryngeal activities.

[0012] One aspect of the invention relates to a device for capturing the pharyngolaryngeal activity of a patient configured to be placed around the patient's neck and comprising at least one microphone, an accelerometer and an electronic measurement card, the device comprising at least one holding part around the patient's neck, the microphone being included in said holding part, the device further comprising a mobile part, the mobile part comprising at least one flexible connecting part and being connected to the holding part by said flexible connecting piece, the accelerometer being included in the moving part.

[0013] Thanks to the invention, it is possible to study the pharyngolaryngeal activity of a patient, and in particular swallowing, more reliably than in the state of the art. Indeed, the device allows better capture of data by the accelerometer and the microphone. The mobile part comprising the accelerometer allows it to move back and forth so that it can follow the movements of the anatomical structures during pharyngolaryngeal activity, in particular that of the thyroid cartilage. By design, the mobile part also allows the clamping of the holding element around the patient's neck, without exerting any constraint on the accelerometer, which could impact the quality of capture of said accelerometer. Finally, the mobile part allows mechanical isolation from the other components of the device in order to reduce the risk of picking up vibrations coming from another anatomical area and which could be transmitted via the rigidity of another part of the collar.

[0014] In addition to the characteristics which have just been mentioned in the previous paragraph, the device according to one aspect of the invention may have one or more additional characteristics among the following, considered individually or according to all technically possible combinations.

According to a variant embodiment, the accelerometer is included in the mobile part so as to be able to be positioned at the level of the laryngeal prominence of the patient's thyroid cartilage and the microphone is included in the holding part so as to be able to be positioned laterally at the level of the patient's cricoid cartilage.

[0016] Thus, the accelerometer is advantageously placed under the laryngeal prominence of the patient's thyroid cartilage and the microphone is advantageously placed laterally at the level of the patient's cricoid cartilage to respectively capture the anatomical movements as well as possible, and to precisely capture the vibratory and sound waves emitted during pharyngolaryngeal activity.

[0017] According to a variant embodiment compatible with any preceding variant, the device for sensing pharyngolaryngeal activity comprises a first rigid elastomer casing containing the accelerometer, said first casing being included in the holding part .

[0018] Thus, the accelerometer is protected by the first rigid elastomer casing and becomes more resistant when the device is used. Also, the case can contain the accelerometer and its associated electronics. The presence of the boxes also helps in the observation of movements from a distance by simply observing the movement of the box. The rigidity of the case, attached to the accelerometer it contains, makes it possible to capture the vibrations associated with pharyngolaryngeal activities.

[0019] According to a variant embodiment compatible with any preceding variant, the device for capturing pharyngolaryngeal activity comprises a second rigid elastomer casing containing the microphone, said second casing being included in the holding part.

[0020] Thus, the microphone is protected by the second rigid elastomer casing and becomes more resistant when the device is used. Also, the case can contain the microphone and its associated electronics. [0021] According to a variant embodiment compatible with any preceding variant, the device for sensing pharyngolaryngeal activity comprises a third rigid elastomer casing containing the electronic measurement card, said third casing being included in the part maintenance.

[0022] Thus, the electronic measurement card is protected by the third rigid elastomer casing and becomes more resistant when the device is used.

According to a sub-variant embodiment of the variant embodiment where the first casing is used, the first casing has a shape adapted to match the shape of the lower part of the laryngeal prominence of the patient's thyroid cartilage. [0024] Thus, the first housing containing the accelerometer has a shape which makes it possible to improve the comfort of the patient when using the device around his neck, while increasing the precision of the measurements, the housing also being able to be better maintained and being more stable. Thus during the ascent and descent of the larynx during swallowing, the case follows the movement of the laryngeal prominence.

[0025] According to a sub-variant embodiment of the variant embodiment where the second casing is used, the second casing has a shape adapted to match the shape of the patient's cricoid cartilage.

[0026] Thus, the second housing containing the microphone has a shape that improves patient comfort while increasing the stability of the microphone when the device is in use, which would reduce the recording of unwanted sound waves that can be caused by the movement of badly placed microphone around the patient's neck. The shape of this case, like that of the accelerometer, also ensures continuity of contact between the capture zone (the sensor) and the anatomical zone where the signal must be picked up. In addition, the shape of this case allows simple positioning of the sensor in the intended location on the patient's neck, alignment with the anatomical part then being natural because it is planned.

According to a sub-variant embodiment of the two preceding variant embodiments, the shape adapted to match the shape of the laryngeal prominence of the patient's thyroid cartilage and the shape adapted to match the shape of the patient's cricoid cartilage is a curved shape , whose upper part is inclined forwards, that is to say towards the outside of the housing, preferably a concave shape for the first housing and convex for the second and third housings. [0028] Thus, the first and the second box will advantageously have better stability and the accuracy of the data captured will be even more increased.

[0029] According to a variant embodiment compatible with any preceding variant, the flexible connecting part of the moving part is made of flexible elastomer with a hardness of between 40 shore A and 90 shore A, preferably 50 shore A.

[0030] Thus, the mobile part allows mechanical isolation from the other elements that may contain rigid elastomer casings, in order to reduce the risk of picking up vibrations coming from another anatomical zone and which could be transmitted via the rigidity of a same common box.

[0031] According to a variant embodiment compatible with any preceding variant, the holding part of the device for capturing pharyngolaryngeal activity comprises two straps attached to either side of the mobile part.

[0032] Thus, the sensors contained on the device are kept pressed against the patient's neck, and the adjustment of the device around the patient's neck is facilitated.

[0033] According to a variant embodiment compatible with any preceding variant, the connecting part of the mobile part comprises a bellows part, an opening and a strip of flexible elastomer under the opening, the opening separating the bellows part and the flexible elastomer band of the moving part.

[0034] Thus, the sensors and accelerometers contained on the device are kept pressed against the patient's neck, and the adjustment of the device around the patient's neck is facilitated. The previous variant being another alternative to achieve the same advantages.

According to a variant embodiment compatible with any preceding variant, the straps of the holding part are made of a flexible elastomer with a hardness of between 40 shore A and 90 shore A, preferably 60 shore A.

[0036] According to a sub-variant embodiment of the previous variant embodiment, a system of magnets is molded into the straps of the holding part. [0037] Thus, the holding element comprises a system of several magnets molded into the flexible elastomer and spaced by a certain pitch in order to maintain flexibility of behavior while having continuity of magnetization.

According to a variant embodiment compatible with any preceding variant, the device comprises at least one recess in the movable part, making it possible to accommodate at least one cable between the accelerometer and the electronic measurement card and between the accelerometer and the microphone.

According to a variant embodiment compatible with any preceding variant, the capture device comprises a data transfer interface configured to transmit data picked up by the microphone and the accelerometer.

[0040] Thus, a transfer of data is possible for, in particular, an analysis of the results. Data transmission can be done wired, for example via an Ethernet and/or USB input, or wireless, for example via a Bluetooth and/or Wi-Fi transmitter.

According to a variant embodiment compatible with any preceding variant, the holding part comprises a cable support along said holding part.

[0042] Thus, the device being connected by cable, the system for holding this cable is designed so that the latter remains along the strap to pass behind the patient's shoulder and not be in his field of vision, which could, for example, disturb his attention during an examination.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of manufacturing the mechanical parts of the device for capturing pharyngolaryngeal activity according to the characteristics presented above, according to which the rigid parts are obtained by machining, injection, micro-injection, casting vacuum or 3D printing and flexible parts are obtained by injection, micro-injection, vacuum casting or 3D printing.

The invention and its various applications will be better understood on reading the following description and examining the accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

The figures are presented for information only and in no way limit the invention. Figure 1 is a schematic representation of the device seen from a first ¾ front perspective.

Figure 2 is a schematic representation of the device seen from a second rear perspective.

Figure 3 shows the device with an opening in a connecting piece of the moving part.

Figure 4 shows the relative positioning of the boxes comprising the sensors.

Figure 5 shows the device placed on a patient's neck.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The terms "first", "second" and the like in the description and in the claims are used to distinguish like elements and not necessarily to describe sequential or chronological order.

Unless otherwise specified, the same element appearing in different figures has a single reference.

A first aspect of the invention relates to a device 1 for capturing the swallowing of a patient configured to be placed around the neck, integrating a microphone 502, an accelerometer 501 and an electronic measurement card, the device 1 comprising at least one neck holding part 3, the microphone 502 being positioned on said holding part 3, the device 1 further comprising a mobile part 2, connected to the holding part 3 by at least two flexible connections, mobile part 2 on which the accelerometer 501 is positioned.

The term "moving part" means a part of the device 1 comprising at least one rigid part and at least one flexible connecting part, the rigid part of the moving part being separated from other rigid parts of the device 1 by at least said flexible connecting piece. The mobile part 2 of the device 1 can favorably follow the anatomical movements produced by the pharyngolaryngeal activity. The mobile part 2 allows movement to be captured in all technically possible directions. This mobile part 2 is quite rigid in its central part so as not to deform excessively, but can follow the anatomical movements of pharyngolaryngeal activity well thanks to the flexible connecting part. The mobile part is called "mobile" because it can move in all directions more easily than the holding part of the device 1, thanks to the connecting part flexible which allows the rigid part greater freedom of movement than the freedom of movement of the 402 and 403 cases.

[0050] The term "flexible connection" means a deformable connection, which can be bent without breaking, by varying its material and/or its geometry. The flexible connecting piece can for example be elastic and/or in the form of a bellows, for example by having a shape adapted to provide a bellows function, for example an elastomer band folded over itself, for example to produce a shape of " S” or “wave” in cross section. Thus, the flexible connecting piece 21 comprises several corrugated regions. A first wavy region provides the connection between the first housing 401 and the second housing 402. A second wavy region provides the connection between the first housing 401 and the third housing 403. A third optional wavy region, represented in FIG. one side of the first housing 401 not connected to another housing 402 or 403 and extends to one edge of the collar. This third region makes it possible to maintain a voltage between the second casing 402 and the third casing 403, so that the first casing 401 . The flexible connecting piece 21 then only connects three sides of the first casing 401, leaving one side of the first casing 401 free, allowing greater freedom of movement of the first casing 401 .

[0051] [Fig. 1] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of the device 1 in the case where the accelerometer 501, the microphone 502 and the electronic measurement card, as well as their associated electronics are contained respectively in the first housing 401, the second housing 402 and the third casing 403. The mobile part 2 is placed between the second casing 402 and the third casing 403, and contains the first casing 401, the accelerometer 501 being contained in this first casing 401 . The holding part 3 comprises two straps 31 and 32 attached to the housings 402 and 403 as well as the housings 402 and 403. Each housing preferably has a substantially parallelepiped shape, comprising a first contact surface with the patient's neck, a second surface to this first surface and facing outwards when the patient is wearing the device, and four surfaces forming four sides of the parallelepiped when the housing is seen from above, the top view being formed by the second surface. The holding part 3 is attached to the mobile part 2 and therefore to each of the boxes 402 and 403, for example by embedding a flexible connecting part 21 of the mobile part 2 in each of the boxes 402 and 403. The different boxes are connected to the various flexible parts preferably by embedding, for example of the pivot connection type, for example where the flexible part comprises an axis around which one side of the housing pivots.

The first housing 401 containing the accelerometer 501 (shown in Figure 5) has for example a first surface of curved shape, preferably concave. This first surface is the one which is in contact with the patient's neck when the collar device is worn. The first box 401 thus has a shape adapted to match the laryngeal prominence of the patient's thyroid cartilage. The accelerometer 501 is encapsulated in its casing 401 preferably without direct contact with the subject's neck.

The second housing 402 containing the microphone 502 (shown in Figure 5) has for example a first surface of curved shape, preferably convex. This first surface is the one which is in contact with the patient's neck when the collar device is worn. The second casing 402 thus has a shape adapted to allow contact with the shape of the cricoid cartilage of the patient. The microphone 502 is encapsulated in its casing 402. The casing 402 preferably comprises a cylindrical opening, with a diameter of between 4 and 10 mm, preferably 8 mm, to allow the pickup zone of the microphone 502 to be in contact with the neck. of the patient. A very thin membrane (not shown), with a thickness of between 0.05mm and 0.5mm, preferably 0.15mm, in flexible elastomer, integrated into the housing 402, can be added to allow the microphone 502 to be protected from any external pollution which could affect its performance, for example: dust, liquid, food, etc. Once in place, this membrane also allows easier cleaning, for example with a disinfectant wipe, of the entire device. This membrane must be both very thin to minimize the absorption of sound waves and strong enough not to tear.

The third housing 403 comprises the electronic measurement card (not shown), connected to the microphone 502 and to the accelerometer 501 and has a first surface of curved shape, preferably convex. This first surface is the one which is in contact with the patient's neck when the collar device is worn. [0055] Each box 401, 402 and 403 can include a visual cue for tracking movements (also called “motion tracking”), for example by camera. This allows the clinician to follow certain movements of anatomical structures of interest, allowing for example to complete the characterization of swallowing by the signals coming from the collar. The holding part 3 may comprise at least one strip of flexible elastomer with a hardness of between 40 Shore A and 90 Shore A, preferably 60 Shore A, for example in the form of a strap as shown in FIG. 1. mobile part 2 comprises a flexible connection also composed of a flexible elastomer, with a hardness between 40 shore A and 90 shore A, preferably 50 Shore A. The housings 401, 402 and 403 are for their part composed of a rigid elastomer, of hardness between R80 and R120 on the Rockwell hardness scale determined by the ASTM D785 method, preferably R92 on the Rockwell hardness scale determined by the ASTM D785 method, for example polypropylene, for example Propylux® HS . This rigid elastomer makes it possible to guarantee the maintenance of the sensors and electronic cards they include and to transmit vibrations.

The holding part 3 can comprise two straps 31 and 32, the closure of which can be adjusted according to the size of the patient's neck. These straps 31 and 32 make it possible to hold the boxes 401 and 402 which contain the accelerometer 501 and the microphone 502 flat. to keep a flexibility of behavior while having a continuity of magnetization. This pitch is preferably 10mm for one strap and 15mm for the other strap. The magnets of each of the two strips 31 and 32 are different in order to allow continuity of magnetization. One of the two straps, for example the strap 31 connected to the housing 402 of the microphone 502, can comprise a system of 14 magnets of dimensions 10mmx5mmx1.2mm to obtain a magnetizing force of 500g, when the other strap, for example the strap 32 connected to the housing 403 of the measurement card can comprise a system of 9 magnets of dimensions 10mmx10mmx1.2mm to obtain a magnetizing force of 1 kg. The length of each of the straps, between 150 and 250 mm and preferably 185 mm, makes it possible to cover a maximum of neck sizes, considering the elderly populations as a priority. For smaller necks, provision may be made for the straps not to overlap beyond the front half of the collar, in order to limit visual obstacles when carrying out a medical imaging examination, for example example for a video fluoroscopy, together with the device 1 in place on the patient.

The device 1 can comprise a cable support 6 (shown in Figure 3) along the holding part 3. The device 1 can be connected to a device capture via a data transfer interface that can be wired or wireless. In the case where the data exchange is done by wire, for example by USB or Ethernet, the wire comes out at the junction between the side box 403 and the strap, depending on the patient. A cable support 6 is designed so that the latter remains along the strap to pass behind the patient's shoulder 10 and thus not be in his field of vision, which could disturb his attention during the examination.

[0059] The term “cable support” is understood to mean a hollow, a space or a hook enabling a cable to be held in a desired location, i.e. along the holding part. Preferably, this cable support is a single piece of rigid elastomer composed of two parts: a first part clinging to the strap, preferably a rectangular hook to cling to the strap and slide along the strap, and a second part to accommodate the cable(s), preferably a hook. The strap can then include stops to delimit the sliding of the cable support on the strap, on one side to prevent sliding on the front half of the collar and clear visibility during a video-fluoroscopy examination; on the other side to prevent the cable holder from coming loose from the strap.

The device 1 makes it possible to capture the anatomical movements of the patient's neck via the accelerometer 501 and the sounds produced in particular during the patient's pharyngolaryngeal activity via the microphone 502.

The connecting piece 21 allows movement in all technically possible directions of the first housing 401 so that it can follow the movements of the anatomical structures of the patient during pharyngolaryngeal activity, in particular that of the thyroid cartilage, allows the tightening of the holding part 3 around the patient's neck, without exerting any constraint on the first housing 401, which could impact the quality of capture of the accelerometer 501 that it contains, and allows mechanical insulation of the first housing 401 with respect to to the second and third casings (402 and 403) in order to reduce the risk of picking up vibrations coming from another anatomical zone and which could be transmitted via the rigidity of the same common casing or of a strap not having a suitable form. [0062] [Fig. 2] Figure 2 shows the same representation of the device 1 as [Fig. 1] from another angle, i.e. seen from behind.

[0063] The curved shape of the housings 401, 402 and 403, that is to say of at least one surface of the housings, is visible in Figure 2. This form not only brings more comfort to the patient 10, but also more precision with regard to the measurements made by the accelerometer 501 and the microphone 502. and/or movement, regardless of the subject's anatomy.

The pharyngolaryngeal activity detection device 1 comprises a data transfer interface (not shown), configured to send the pharyngolaryngeal activity signals measured by the pharyngolaryngeal activity detection sensors (501 and 502) through a wired network or directly through a wireless connection. This transmission can be carried out via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or according to any other wireless or wired data transfer protocol, preferably wireless, in order to allow the patient 10 freedom of movement. The data transfer interface may further enable the reception of data by being configured to receive data. This can make it possible to carry out remote updates of the pharyngolaryngeal activity detection device 1, and/or to send commands to the pharyngolaryngeal activity detection device 1. Such commands can for example be a command measurement, a command linked to the management of a battery, or any other type of command. When device 1 includes a data transfer interface 9 via a wireless connection, device 1 may include a power supply means such as a battery. The device 1 can also include a battery when the data transfer is carried out by wire.

[0065] Furthermore, the pharyngolaryngeal activity detection device 1 may comprise at least one sensor from among a heart rate sensor, a body temperature sensor, a sweat sensor, a respiratory rate sensor, a muscle activity (not shown). The pharyngolaryngeal activity detection device 1 shown can include all the sensors mentioned above, but it can also only include one of the sensors mentioned above or any possible combination of the sensors mentioned above. The aforementioned sensors make it possible to know precisely the state of the patient 10 during a swallowing rehabilitation exercise or during an examination of the swallowing of one or more users.

[0066] [Fig. 3] Figure 3 shows the device 1 with the holding part 3 which comprises two strips of flexible elastomer, that is to say straps, and the flexible connecting piece 21 of the movable part 2 in two parts: a "bellows" part 211 already shown, and an elastomer strip 213 under the "bellows" part 211, separated from the "bellows" part 211 by an opening 212.

An opening 212 is included in the flexible connecting piece 21 of the mobile part 2, in order to have less tension on the "bellows" part 211 of the mobile part 2. This opening 212 is only partial and therefore allows the housing 401 of the mobile part 2 to move better while keeping the device firmly in place around the patient's neck thanks to the elastomeric band part 213 of the flexible connecting piece 21 of the mobile part 2 present under the opening 212 and under the bellows part 211 of the flexible connecting part 21 of the mobile part 2.

[0068] The flexible connecting piece 21 of the mobile part 2 can also be hollowed out in order to pass connecting cables between the various components and/or the electronic sub-assemblies of the device 1 . The recess can for example pass through the mobile part 2 or even the holding part 3, so as to create a “tunnel” for passing cables.

[0069] [Fig. 4] Figure 4 shows the relative positioning of the accelerometer 501, the microphone 502 and the electronic measurement card as well as their boxes 401, 402 and 403.

The position of the accelerometer 501 and of the microphone 502 is at the origin of the device design process. The horizontal dimension between the accelerometer 501 and the microphone 502 is preferentially comprised between 15 mm and 30 mm, with a preferential value of 22.1 mm and the vertical dimension is preferentially comprised between 10 mm and 30 mm, with a preferential measurement of 20 mm .

[0071] [Fig. 5] Figure 5 shows the device in use on a patient 10.

[0072] During use of the device, the accelerometer 501 is positioned under the laryngeal prominence of the thyroid cartilage of the patient 10 and the microphone 502 is positioned laterally at the level of the cricoid cartilage. Device 1 allows complete capture of movements during pharyngolaryngeal activity, namely the capture of vibrations and sounds related to the displacements of the anatomical structures between them and the passage of the food bolus. These vibrations are picked up by the accelerometer placed on the moving part, and the sound signals are picked up by the microphone. These captured signals are then sent to the electronic measurement card.

The manufacture of flexible elastomer parts, namely the holding part 3 and the moving part 2 can, among other things, be done by injection, micro-injection, vacuum casting or 3D printing. The manufacture of rigid elastomer parts, namely the first casing 401, the second casing 402 and the third casing 403 can, among other things, be done by machining, injection, micro-injection, vacuum casting or 3D printing. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific embodiments, it is important to note that combinations of embodiments are possible and can be envisaged.

Claims

[Claim 1] Device for capturing pharyngolaryngeal activity (1) of a patient (10) configured to be placed around the patient's neck comprising a first (401), a second (402) and a third (403) housings and comprising at least one holding part (3) around the patient's neck (10) comprising:

- the second box (402) comprising a microphone (502),

- the third box (403) comprising an electronic measurement card,

- two straps (31, 32) connected respectively to the second (403) and to the third (402) housing configured to allow the device (1) to be held on the patient's neck (10), the device (1) further comprising a part mobile (2), the mobile part (2) comprising at least:

- the first housing (401) comprising an accelerometer (501), a flexible connecting piece (21) of flexible elastomer with a hardness of between 40 shore A and 90 shore A connecting the first housing (401) to the second (402) and to the third casing (403) of the retaining part (3), the flexible connecting piece (21) mechanically isolating the first casing (401) relative to the second (402) and third (403) casings.

[Claim 2] Device for capturing pharyngolaryngeal activity (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the accelerometer (501) is included in the movable part (2) so as to be able to be positioned at the level of the laryngeal prominence of the thyroid cartilage of the patient (10) and in that the microphone (502) is included in the holding part (3) so as to be able to be positioned laterally at the level of the cricoid cartilage of the patient (10).

[Claim 3] Device for sensing pharyngolaryngeal activity (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first housing

(401) comprises at least one shaped surface adapted to match the shape of the laryngeal prominence of the patient's thyroid cartilage (10), in that the second housing

(402) comprises at least one shaped surface adapted to laterally match the shape of the cricoid cartilage of the patient (10) and in that the shape adapted to match the shape of the laryngeal prominence of the patient's thyroid cartilage (10) and the shape adapted to match the shape of the patient's cricoid cartilage (10) is a concave shape for the first housing (401) and convex for the second (402) and third (403) boxes.

[Claim 4] Device for capturing pharyngolaryngeal activity (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the straps are made of a flexible elastomer with a hardness of between 40 shore A and 90 shore A, preferably 60 shore A.

[Claim 5] Device for capturing pharyngolaryngeal activity (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a system of magnets is molded into each strap of the holding part (3).

[Claim 6] Swallowing capture device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (1) comprises at least one recess in the connecting piece of the movable part (2) allowing accommodate at least one cable between the accelerometer and the electronic measurement card and between the accelerometer and the microphone.

[Claim 7] Pharyngolaryngeal activity sensing device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said sensing device (1) comprises a data transfer interface (8) configured to transmit sensed data by the microphone (502) and the accelerometer (501).

[Claim 8] Device for sensing pharyngolaryngeal activity (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holding part (3) comprises a cable support (6) arranged along said holding part (3).

[Claim 9] Method of manufacturing mechanical parts of the pharyngolaryngeal activity sensing device according to any one of the claims above, characterized in that the device comprises rigid elastomer parts with a hardness between R80 and R120 on the Rockwell hardness scale and flexible elastomer parts with a hardness between 40 shore A and 90 shore A, the rigid parts being obtained by machining, injection, micro-injection, vacuum casting or 3D printing and the flexible parts being obtained by injection, micro-injection, vacuum casting or 3D printing.