Case Study: Diagnostic Simulations, Inc. advances tongue implant modeling with MSC Software

Diagnostic Simulations, Inc - Customer Case Study

Diagnostic Simulations, Inc. worked with MSC Software to support research led by Dr. Paul Buscemi, then VP of R&D at Restore Medical, on a new minimally invasive tongue implant for treating obstructive sleep apnea. The challenge was to understand airway closure while also predicting how the implant could affect critical tongue functions such as speech and swallowing. MSC Software’s Marc and Patran were used for the analysis and model preparation.

Using MSC Software’s finite element tools, the team built an accurate model of tongue musculature and motion, including passive and active muscle behavior. The virtual prototype helped evaluate the implant’s impact on tongue kinematics and kinetics, study swallowing forces, and assess effects on airway closure that are difficult to observe directly in patients. The result was a more informed implant design with reduced risk to key tongue functions.

Diagnostic Simulations, Inc

Paul Buscemi

VP of Research and Development