Magnetic implants in the tongue for assistive technologies: Tests of migration; oromotor function; and tissue response in miniature pigs.

•Tongue Drive System (TDS) is an assistive technology with a magnetic tongue implant.•TDS titanium-encased 1.8mm×6.2mm implant does not migrate in the minipig tongue.•Magnetic implantation/extirpation minimally disrupt drinking and tongue anatomy.•Limited impact of implant suggests safety of this tongue-operated assistive device.