Electrical stimulation vector potential coil apparatus for use in ophthalmic therapy

Abstract

A vector potential coil (11) that is a vector potential of a solenoid coil extending along a curved coil axis, and a ferromagnetic member (11A) extending along the coil axis within the solenoid coil; the power supply device conducts current in the vector potential coil (11); the vector potential coil (11) and the ferromagnetic member (11A) have openings in the circumferential direction thereof.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an electric stimulation vector potential coil device used in ophthalmic treatment and a method of using the same. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, for myopia, ophthalmic diseases, for example, ptosis, entropion, lagophthalmos, sty, chalazion, blepharospasm, eyelid malignancy, conjunctivitis, dermoid cyst, subconjunctival hemorrhage, palpebral fissure, malignant lymphoma, scleritis, scleromalacia, keratitis, keratoconus, pterygium, granular corneal dystrophy, Mooren's corneal ulcer, uveitis, cataract, lens displacement, lens luxation, exfoliation syndrome, vitreous hemorrhage, stellate vitreous disease, persistent primary vitreous hyperplasia, glaucoma, ocular hypertension, retinal detachment, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy, retinal artery occlusion, retinal vein occlusion, retinitis pigmentosa, retinoschisis, macular hole, epiretinal membrane, outer exudative retinopathy, familial exudative Great progress has been made in the research on treatment methods for exudative vitreoretinopathy, acute retinal necrosis syndrome, cytomegalovirus retinitis, retinopathy of prematurity, retinoblastoma, optic neuritis, optic nerve hypoplasia, Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy, optic canal fracture, multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica (Devic's disease), pituitary tumors, cerebral infarction, dry eye, dacryocystitis, nasolacrimal duct obstruction, canaliculitis, myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, presbyopia, strabismus, inferior oblique muscle hyperfunction, Duane syndrome, oculomotor nerve palsy, abducens nerve palsy, Horner syndrome, Addison's syndrome, traumatic mydriasis, color vision abnormalities, myasthenia gravis, systemic lupus erythematosus, thyroid-related eye diseases, etc. Among them, research on treatment methods and devices based on electrical stimulation is particularly eye-catching.

[0003] For example, the following technology has been disclosed: in order to treat patients with age-related macular degeneration, a neural electrical stimulation device is used that is packaged so that no user input is required, and the user places electrodes on the correct part of the body and starts to implement a pre-programmed current sequence, and after applying a high-frequency direct current pulse group (burst) for a short time, a low-frequency current pulse group (burst) is applied for a long time (for example, refer to patent document 1). In addition, the following treatment method has been disclosed: in order to treat diseases such as retinal detachment, acupuncture needles are inserted into special acupuncture points located deep in the eyeball, and weak current is used for stimulation, and the electrical signals are converted into electrical energy at the visual cells located in the retina, thereby normalizing the eyeball tissues such as the retina and vitreous body (for example, refer to non-patent document 1).

[0004] On the other hand, a vector potential generating device has been developed that generates a vector potential by passing a current through a vector potential coil formed by winding a solenoid coil (see, for example, Patent Document 2). In addition, a vector potential detecting device has been developed that detects a vector potential by utilizing a voltage generated by a vector potential that changes with time (see, for example, Patent Document 3).

[0005] [Prior art literature]

[0006] [Patent Literature]

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Publication, JP-2005 / 529689

[0008] Patent Document 2: International Publication, WO2015 / 099147

[0009] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Gazette, Patent No. 6950925

[0010]

Non-patent literature

[0011] Patent Document 1:

[0012] Internet<URL:http: / / www.nannbyou.com / medical / me37.html> Summary of the invention

[0013] (Problems to be solved by the invention)

[0014] In the above-mentioned electrical stimulation method, it is necessary to attach electrodes to the skin or insert special acupuncture needles into the muscles. Therefore, when performing ophthalmic treatment or surgery, it is possible to cause invasion to the organism. Therefore, a non-invasive treatment device that has an electrical stimulation effect and minimizes damage to the organism is desired.

[0015] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to provide an electric stimulation vector potential coil device used in ophthalmic treatment that applies appropriate electric stimulation or magnetic stimulation to a living body and avoids causing damage to the living body.

[0016] (Solutions to solve problems)

[0017] The electric stimulation vector potential generating device used in ophthalmic treatment of the present invention comprises: a vector potential coil, which is a solenoid coil extending along a straight or curved coil axis; a ferromagnetic component extending along the coil axis in the solenoid coil; and a power supply device for conducting current in the vector potential coil. The vector potential coil and the ferromagnetic component have openings in their circumferential direction.

[0018] (Effects of the Invention)

[0019] According to the present invention, a vector potential coil device can be set at a distance of several millimeters to more than ten centimeters from a biological body, and an electric field and / or current can be applied therefrom, thereby reducing the degree of damage to the biological body. Thus, a vector potential coil device can be obtained for performing ophthalmic treatment or surgery by electrical stimulation while eliminating damage to the biological body caused by electrodes or acupuncture needles for electrical stimulation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 1 is a block diagram showing the structure of the vector potential generating device 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 2 Yes means Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a vector potential coil in the vector potential coil device 1.

[0022] Figure 3 It is a diagram showing an example of the vector potential coil device 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing an example of applying a vector potential by the vector potential generating device 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0024] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing an example of the support body 110 of the vector potential generating device 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0025] Figure 6 It is a diagram showing an installation example of the vector potential generating device 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0026] Figure 7 It is a diagram showing the structure of a vector potential coil device 1 in a vector potential generating device 10 according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 8 It is a diagram showing the structure of a vector potential coil device 1 in a vector potential generating device 10 according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Fig. 9 It is a diagram showing the structure of a vector potential coil device 1 in a vector potential generating device 10 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Fig.10 It is a diagram showing the structure of a vector potential coil device 1 in a vector potential generating device 10 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Fig.11 It is a diagram showing the structure of a vector potential coil device 1 in a vector potential generating device 10 according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Fig.12 It is a diagram showing the structure of a vector potential coil device 1 in a vector potential generating device 10 according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Fig.13 It is a front view showing an example of a vector potential coil in the vector potential coil device 1 according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Fig.14 It is a plan view showing an example of a vector potential coil in the vector potential coil device 1 according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Fig.15 It is a side view showing an example of a vector potential coil in the vector potential coil device 1 according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Fig.16 This is a diagram showing an example of a vector potential coil in the vector potential coil device 1 according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Fig.17 It is a diagram showing an installation example of the vector potential coil device 1 according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Fig.18 It is a diagram showing an installation example of the vector potential coil device 1 according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0039] [First embodiment]

[0040] Figure 1 It is a block diagram showing the structure of a vector potential generating device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 The vector potential generating device 10 shown includes a vector potential coil device 1 and a power supply device 2 .

[0041] Figure 2 Yes means Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a vector potential coil in a vector potential coil device 1. The vector potential coil device 1 has, for example, Figure 2 The vector potential coil (hereinafter also referred to as VP coil) 11 is shown. The VP coil 11 is a solenoid coil extending along a curved coil axis.

[0042] Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a vector potential coil device 1 according to the first embodiment. Figure 3As shown, the vector potential coil device 1 includes the VP coil 11 and a ferromagnetic member 11A. The ferromagnetic member 11A has a shape extending along the coil axis in the solenoid coil and is formed of a ferromagnetic material.

[0043] The vector potential generated by the current flowing through the VP coil 11 becomes weaker as it moves away from the current. However, since the VP coil 11 and the ferromagnetic member 11A are curved as described above, the vector potentials generated by the current at each position of the VP coil 11 overlap each other in the inner direction of the curve (the center of curvature in the case of an arc shape), and thus their strength becomes larger. In addition, since the vector potential is strengthened according to the effective magnetic permeability of the ferromagnetic member 11, the strength of the vector potential becomes larger in the inner direction of the curve (the center of curvature in the case of an arc shape).

[0044] Figure 1 The power supply device 2 shown generates a current using power from a commercial power supply or a battery (primary battery or secondary battery), and causes the current (here, an alternating current of a predetermined frequency) to flow through the VP coil 11. It should be noted that, when the power supply device 2 causes the current to flow through the VP coil 11 using power from a battery, the vector potential generating device 10 may also be a portable device having the battery built therein.

[0045] Moreover, for example, Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , the VP coil 11 and the ferromagnetic member 11A have an opening 14 in the circumferential direction thereof. That is, the coil axis of the VP coil 11 does not go around more than one turn.

[0046] For example, the coil axis is formed into an arc shape, and when observed from the center of a circle including the coil axis (i.e., the arc), the angle (center angle) from one end to the other end of the VP coil 11 (the coil axis) is less than 360 degrees, and similarly, when observed from the center of a circle including the coil axis, the angle (center angle) from one end to the other end of the ferromagnetic component 11A is less than 360 degrees. Thus, the opening 14 is formed.

[0047] For example, the central angle may be 180 degrees or may be less than 180 degrees. However, since the intensity of the vector potential in the inner direction of the curve increases as the central angle increases, it is preferable that the central angle is larger.

[0048] The center angle of the circle is set to any angle greater than 0 degree and less than 360 degrees. Further, (a) can be any angle greater than 0 degree and less than 180 degrees, (b) can also be any angle greater than 0 degree and less than 90 degrees, (c) can also be any angle greater than 0 degree and less than 45 degrees; or, (d) can be any angle greater than 0.5 degree and less than 360 degrees, further, (e) can also be any angle greater than 0.5 degree and less than 180 degrees, (f) can also be any angle greater than 0.5 degree and less than 90 degrees, (e) can also be any angle greater than 0.5 degree and less than 45 degrees, (f) can also be any angle greater than 0.5 degree and less than 25 degrees; or, (g) can It can be any angle greater than 2 degrees and less than 360 degrees. Furthermore, (h) can also be any angle greater than 2 degrees and less than 180 degrees. (i) can also be any angle greater than 2 degrees and less than 90 degrees. (j) can also be any angle greater than 2 degrees and less than 45 degrees. (k) can also be any angle greater than 2 degrees and less than 25 degrees. Or, (l) can be any angle greater than 5 degrees and less than 360 degrees. Furthermore, (m) can also be any angle greater than 5 degrees and less than 180 degrees. (n) can also be any angle greater than 5 degrees and less than 90 degrees. (o) can also be any angle greater than 5 degrees and less than 45 degrees. (p) can also be any angle greater than 5 degrees and less than 25 degrees.

[0049] In addition, considering that the vector potential application object is installed or removed relative to the VP coil 11 from the inner side of the bend, the opening 14 is preferably larger (i.e., the curvature radius of the coil axis and / or the central angle are determined according to the shape or size of the application object).

[0050] Figure 4 1 is a diagram showing an example of applying a vector potential by the vector potential generating device 10 of the first embodiment. Figure 4 As shown, the object to which the vector potential is applied ( Figure 4 The human eye 101 is arranged outside the opening 14.

[0051] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing an example of the support body 110 of the vector potential generating device 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0052] Figure 5 The vector potential coil device 1 shown includes a support portion 110 , a vector potential coil 11 , a power supply device 2 (not shown), and a control unit 3 (not shown).

[0053] The support part 10 is a component having an open recessed space, which can accommodate a part of a living body, and has an irradiation surface 120 facing the living body. In the first embodiment, the support part 110 is a tubular component. However, the support part 110 may also be a plate-like flat component, an arc-shaped component, or a hemispherical component. In addition, the above-mentioned living body may be a human or an animal.

[0054] A light-transmitting member (eg, a transparent resin member) may be used as a part of the support portion 110. In this way, a phototherapy device may be further mounted on the vector potential coil device 1, thereby simultaneously applying electrical stimulation and light stimulation to the living body.

[0055] Figure 6 1 is a diagram showing an example of installation of the vector potential generating device 1 according to the first embodiment. Figure 6 In the case of a part of the biological body (such as a human body), the vector potential coil 11 and the ferromagnetic component 11A are arranged at a position where a vector potential is generated on the biological body.

[0056] Figure 6 The vector potential coil device 1 shown is supported by a support portion 110, and the support portion 110 has a shape of glasses mounted on the ear through a mounting portion. In this way, the vector potential coil device 1 can be carried without taking up space. In particular, in order to achieve miniaturization, it is preferred that all or part of the power supply device 2 (not shown) and the control unit 3 (not shown) are integrated with the support portion 110 or the mounting portion.

[0057] In the first embodiment, the ferromagnetic component 11A is formed of a material such as permalloy having conductivity, and one end of the VP coil 11 and one end of the ferromagnetic component 11A (end 11A1) are electrically connected to each other, and form a path for current. Then, the power supply device 2 applies a voltage to the other end of the VP coil 11 and the other end of the ferromagnetic component 11A, so that current is conducted in the VP coil 11. Here, the power supply device 2 applies a voltage to the terminal 12 electrically connected to the other end of the VP coil 11 and the terminal 13 electrically connected to the other end of the ferromagnetic component 11A (end 11A2), so that current is conducted in the VP coil 11.

[0058] In addition, the coil axis of the VP coil 11 does not rotate more than one circle, so the distance between the two ends of the VP coil 11 becomes larger. However, since the ferromagnetic component 11A serves as a path for the current and two terminals 12 and 13 are arranged on either end side of the VP coil 11, the area surrounded by the path flowing in the wiring from the power supply device 2 to the VP coil 11 and the ferromagnetic component 11A is relatively narrow, thereby suppressing the unnecessary magnetic field generated by the current flowing in the wiring.

[0059] Next, the operation of the vector potential generating device 10 according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0060] Under the control of the control unit 3 (not shown), the power supply device 2 alternately applies a predetermined positive (plus) and negative (minus) pulse voltage to the above-mentioned terminals 12 and 13 in the vector potential generating device 10, thereby causing current to flow through the VP coil 11 and the ferromagnetic component 11A.

[0061] The current conducted through the VP coil 11 generates a magnetic field along the coil axis, generating a vector potential parallel to the current. The intensity of the vector potential in the inner direction of the bend of the VP coil 11 (i.e., around the opening 14) is greater than the vector potential in the outer direction of the bend of the VP coil 11.

[0062] Therefore, the vector potential is effectively applied to the target to which the vector potential is applied arranged in the opening 14 .

[0063] In addition, in a living body to which the treatment is applied, for example, by electrically stimulating the cells of the injured skeletal muscles around the eye (for example, the orbicularis oculi muscle), cornea, retina, eyelid, vitreous body, lacrimal sac, nasolacrimal duct, etc., the SOS signal emitted by the damaged cells is added to the current of the electrical stimulation, thereby being easily detected by the brain. Furthermore, under the action of the self-healing mechanism of the living body, the brain issues a command to the body to generate a large amount of ATP (energy) required for cell repair.

[0064] As described above, according to the first embodiment, the VP coil 11 is a solenoid coil extending along a curved coil axis, and the ferromagnetic member 11A extends along the coil axis in the solenoid coil. The power supply device 2 allows current to flow through the VP coil 11. Furthermore, the VP coil 11 and the ferromagnetic member 11A have an opening 14 in the circumferential direction thereof (i.e., the circumferential direction of the VP coil 11 and the ferromagnetic member 11A having a winding number less than one turn).

[0065] In this way, the target to which the vector potential is applied can be arranged in the opening 14, or arranged in the inner or outer area of ​​the VP coil 11 through the opening 14, so there are fewer restrictions on the target to which the vector potential is applied. In addition, it can also be considered that the smaller the central angle, the fewer restrictions on the target to which the vector potential is applied.

[0066] For example, by using the VP coil 11 as described in the first embodiment, a vector potential can be effectively applied to a specific portion using a relatively small VP coil 11 .

[0067] [Second embodiment]

[0068] Figure 7 It is a diagram showing the structure of a vector potential coil device 1 in a vector potential generating device 10 according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] In the second embodiment, for example, Figure 7 As shown, a ferromagnetic component 11B is disposed inside the VP coil 11 (i.e., the solenoid coil). Similar to the ferromagnetic component 11A, the ferromagnetic component 11B has a shape extending along the coil axis of the VP coil 11, and further, it extends to the outside (bending outside direction) of the VP coil 11 to form a closed magnetic circuit.

[0070] The ferromagnetic component 11B is a component formed of a ferromagnetic material having conductivity (for example, a metal magnetic material such as Permalloy), and has a connection point 11B1 on one coil end side of the VP coil 11 and a connection point 11B2 on the other coil end side of the VP coil 11, and at the connection point 11B1, one coil end of the VP coil 11 is electrically connected to the ferromagnetic component 11B.

[0071] The other coil end of VP coil 11 is electrically connected to terminal 12 , and connection point 11B2 of ferromagnetic member 11B is electrically connected to terminal 13 via a lead wire. Power supply device 2 applies voltage to terminals 12 and 13 to conduct current through VP coil 11 .

[0072] The ferromagnetic member 11B has a gap 11B3 formed outside the bend of the VP coil 11, and is configured so that current is not conducted in the portion of the ferromagnetic member 11B outside the bend of the VP coil 11 through the gap 11B3.

[0073] In order to reduce the effect of magnetic flux leakage or the reduction of magnetic permeability caused by bending, it is preferred that the transition portion between the inner and outer portions of the ferromagnetic component 11B is formed into a continuous smooth curve without a steep bend. In addition, the ferromagnetic component 11B may be formed by connecting a plurality of components.

[0074] It should be noted that the vector potential coil device 1 in the vector potential generating device 10 of the second embodiment can also be applied to the first embodiment.

[0075] [Third embodiment]

[0076] Figure 8 It is a diagram showing the structure of a vector potential coil device 1 in a vector potential generating device 10 according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] In the third embodiment, for example, Figure 8 As shown, the VP coil 11 includes an inner solenoid coil 11-1 and an outer solenoid coil 11-2, which extend along the same curved coil axis and have different coil diameters, and one coil end of the inner solenoid coil 11-1 is electrically connected to one coil end of the outer solenoid coil 11-2. The inner solenoid coil 11-1 and the outer solenoid coil 11-2 each function as a VP coil, and therefore, the VP coil 11 of the third embodiment has a structure in which two VP coils are electrically connected in series in phase.

[0078] Furthermore, in the third embodiment, for example, Figure 8 As shown, a ferromagnetic component 11C is arranged inside the VP coil 11 (inner solenoid coil 11-1). The ferromagnetic component 11C is the same as the above-mentioned ferromagnetic component 11A. However, the VP coil 11 and the ferromagnetic component 11C are not electrically connected, and the ferromagnetic component 11C does not need to have conductivity.

[0079] The power supply device 2 applies a voltage to the other end of the inner solenoid coil 11-1 and the other end of the outer solenoid coil 11-2, thereby causing current to flow through the VP coil 11. Specifically, the power supply device 2 applies a voltage to a terminal 12 electrically connected to the other end of the inner solenoid coil 11-1 and a terminal 13 electrically connected to the other end of the outer solenoid coil 11-2, thereby causing current to flow through the VP coil 11.

[0080] It should be noted that the vector potential coil device 1 in the vector potential generating device 10 of the third embodiment can also be applied to any of the first and second embodiments.

[0081] [Fourth embodiment]

[0082] Fig. 9 It is a diagram showing the structure of a vector potential coil device 1 in a vector potential generating device 10 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0083] In the fourth embodiment, for example, Fig. 9 As shown, the VP coil 11 includes the inner solenoid coil 11-1 and the outer solenoid coil 11-2 which are the same as those in the third embodiment. Fig. 9As shown, a ferromagnetic component 11D is arranged inside the VP coil 11 (inner solenoid coil 11-1). The ferromagnetic component 11D is the same as the above-mentioned ferromagnetic component 11B. The VP coil 11 and the ferromagnetic component 11D are not electrically connected, and the ferromagnetic component 11D may not have conductivity, and no gap is provided. That is, in the fourth embodiment, the alternating current is conducted in the inner solenoid coil 11-1 and the outer solenoid coil 11-2, but not in the ferromagnetic component 11D, so the ferromagnetic component 11D does not need to have conductivity or a gap.

[0084] In addition, other structures and operations of the vector potential coil device 1 in the vector potential generating device 10 of the fourth embodiment are the same as those of the third embodiment, and thus the description thereof will be omitted.

[0085] [Fifth embodiment]

[0086] Fig.10 It is a diagram showing the structure of a vector potential coil device 1 in a vector potential generating device 10 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0087] In the fifth embodiment, the vector potential coil device 1 has a plurality of VP coils 11. Each VP coil 11 in the fifth embodiment is a plurality of solenoid coils having a linear coil axis and extending along the coil axis. The plurality of VP coils 11 are arranged along a linear arrangement direction. That is, the outer shape of the vector potential coil device 1 is substantially flat. The power supply device 2 causes current to flow through the plurality of VP coils 11. It should be noted that the plurality of VP coils 11 may be electrically connected in series or in parallel. In addition, it may be configured such that: the plurality of power supply devices 2 cause current to flow through the plurality of VP coils 11, respectively. In this case, the plurality of power supply devices 2 cause the alternating current to flow through the plurality of VP coils 11, respectively, in a manner that synchronizes the alternating current flowing through the plurality of VP coils 11. Furthermore, the vector potential coil device 1 includes: a plurality of ferromagnetic components (not shown) extending along the coil axes of the plurality of VP coils 11, respectively, in the same manner as the above-mentioned ferromagnetic components.

[0088] By providing a plurality of VP coils 11 in this manner, the intensity of the vector potential applied to the application target increases.

[0089] In addition, other structures and operations of the vector potential generating device 10 of the fifth embodiment are the same as those of any other embodiments, and thus the description thereof will be omitted.

[0090] [Sixth embodiment]

[0091] Fig.11 It is a diagram showing the structure of a vector potential coil device 1 in a vector potential generating device 10 according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[0092] In the sixth embodiment, the vector potential coil device 1 has a plurality of VP coils 11. Each VP coil 11 in the sixth embodiment is a plurality of solenoid coils having a linear coil axis and extending along the coil axis. The plurality of VP coils 11 are arranged along a curved (bent) arrangement direction. The power supply device 2 causes current to flow through the plurality of VP coils 11. It should be noted that the plurality of VP coils 11 may be electrically connected in series or in parallel. In addition, the vector potential coil device 1 includes a plurality of ferromagnetic components (not shown) extending along the respective coil axes of the plurality of VP coils 11, similarly to the above-mentioned ferromagnetic components. Here, the arrangement direction is a closed curve, and the plurality of VP coils 11 are arranged along an arc-shaped arrangement direction. In particular, the plurality of VP coils 11 (here at equal angular intervals) are arranged within a predetermined central angle θ of a circle including the arc of the arrangement direction. Since the vector potentials of the two VP coils 11 are canceled out at the middle position between the two VP coils 11 , the central angle θ is set to an arbitrary angle smaller than 180 degrees, for example.

[0093] For example, all or part of the human eye, muscles around the eye, or eye-related acupuncture points are arranged inside or outside the space in the inner direction of the arranged plurality of VP coils 11, and a vector potential is applied to the site.

[0094] In addition, for example, Fig.11 As shown in FIG. 1 , when a plurality of VP coils 11 having a linear coil axis are arranged along a curved arrangement direction and arranged in plane symmetry with respect to a predetermined symmetry plane (a plane perpendicular to the X axis and parallel to the Z axis and the Y axis), vectors (vectors) of vector potentials generated by the plurality of VP coils 11 are synthesized on an axis passing through the center of a circle including the arc of the arrangement direction and parallel to the coil axis, thereby generating a vector potential in a direction perpendicular to the symmetry plane ( Fig.11 Therefore, by setting, for example, Figure 4 The combination of the VP coil 11 having a curved coil axis and a plurality of VP coils 11 having a straight coil axis and arranged along a curved arrangement direction and arranged in plane symmetry with respect to a prescribed symmetry plane can generate a vector potential in a desired direction within a two-dimensional plane formed by the X-axis and the Y-axis.

[0095] In addition, other structures and operations of the vector potential generating device 10 of the sixth embodiment are the same as those of any other embodiments, and thus description thereof will be omitted.

[0096] [Seventh embodiment]

[0097] Fig.12 It is a diagram showing the structure of a vector potential coil device 1 in a vector potential generating device 10 according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

[0098] In the seventh embodiment, the vector potential coil device 1 has a plurality of VP coils 11. The plurality of VP coils 11 are respectively wound along a linear coil axis, and are wound so that the inclination angle of the winding direction gradually changes along the direction of the coil axis. In addition, the vector potential coil device 1 has a plurality of ferromagnetic components (not shown) extending along the respective coil axes of the plurality of VP coils 11, similarly to the above-mentioned ferromagnetic components.

[0099] In the seventh embodiment, for example, Fig.12 As shown, the VP coil 11 is wound along a straight coil axis, and is wound such that the inclination angles of the winding direction (the angle formed by the coil axis direction and the winding direction) A0 to A5 gradually change along the direction of the coil axis. Specifically, the inclination angle of the center of the VP coil 11 is 90 degrees, and the farther away from the center, the smaller the inclination angle (A0>A1>A2>A3>A4>A5). In this way, the above-mentioned vector potential can be applied with good strength, similar to the curved VP coil 11.

[0100] In addition, other structures and operations of the vector potential generating device 10 of the seventh embodiment are the same as those of any other embodiments, and thus description thereof will be omitted.

[0101] [Eighth embodiment]

[0102] Fig.13 It is a front view showing an example of a vector potential coil in the vector potential coil device 1 according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention. Fig.14 It is a plan view showing an example of a vector potential coil in the vector potential coil device 1 according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention. Fig.15 It is a side view showing an example of a vector potential coil in the vector potential coil device 1 according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention.

[0103] The vector potential coil device 1 of the eighth embodiment includes a plurality of vector potential coils 31-1 to 31-5. Figure 13 to Figure 15 As shown, the plurality of vector potential coils 31-1 to 31-5 are respectively wound along the curved coil axis and arranged so that the curved inner direction of the coil axis (i.e., the plane containing the coil axis) intersects with each other. Fig.15 As shown, the plurality of vector potential coils 31-1 to 31-5 are arranged such that the planes containing the coil axes of the plurality of vector potential coils 31-1 to 31-5 are parallel to the Y-axis direction, and the angle intervals of the inclination angles formed by these planes with respect to the X-axis direction are substantially the same. In addition, the inclination angle of the vector potential coil 31-1 is 90 degrees.

[0104] In addition, although the vector potential coil device 1 includes five vector potential coils 31 - 1 to 31 - 5 here, it may include any number M of 2 to 4, or 6 or more of the same vector potential coils 31 - 1 to 31 -M.

[0105] For example, the shapes (curvature, etc.) and arrangement of the coil axes of the plurality of vector potential coils 31-1 to 31-5 are determined so that the coil axes are included in a single local spherical surface (e.g., a hemispherical surface), and the applied object is arranged at the center of the spherical surface including the local spherical surface (i.e., the center of curvature of all the coil axes). Alternatively, the shapes (curvature, etc.) and arrangement of the coil axes of the plurality of vector potential coils 31-1 to 31-5 may be determined so that the coil axes are included in another curved surface (a local aspherical surface) other than a single local spherical surface.

[0106] In addition, the plurality of vector potential coils 31-1 to 31-5 generate vector potentials corresponding to the alternating currents, respectively, as in the above-described embodiment, and the vector potentials generated by the plurality of vector potential coils 31-1 to 31-5 are synthesized to obtain the vector potential VP(t). Here, the power supply device 2 causes the alternating current to flow through the plurality of vector potential coils 31-1 to 31-5 so that the amplitude of the synthesized vector potential VP(t) is maximized (for example, the two are in phase with each other).

[0107] In addition, other structures and operations of the vector potential generating device 10 of the eighth embodiment are the same as those of any other embodiments, and thus descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0108] That is, any one of the above-mentioned ferromagnetic members may be arranged along each coil axis of the plurality of vector potential coils 31 - 1 to 31 - 5 .

[0109] As described above, according to the vector potential generating device 10 of the eighth embodiment, the vector potential can be concentrated in the inner direction of the bends of the plurality of vector potential coils 31 - 1 to 31 - 5 , and a high-intensity vector potential can be applied to the application object.

[0110] [Ninth embodiment]

[0111] Fig.16 This is a diagram showing an example of a vector potential coil in the vector potential coil device 1 according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention. Fig.17 It is a diagram showing an installation example of the vector potential coil device 1 according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention. Fig.18 It is a diagram showing another installation example of the vector potential coil device 1 according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention.

[0112] The vector potential coil device 1 of the ninth embodiment has two vector potential coils. Fig.16As shown, the two vector potential coils are respectively wound along the axis of the spiral coil of two or more layers, and the two vector potential coils are arranged in parallel. Here, two or more layers means: the shape obtained by performing the operation of winding the vector potential coil in the same plane to form a circle twice or more. In addition, different from the concentric circle shape, the spiral shape means: a curved shape like a vortex that moves away from the center as it rotates. The rotation direction is clockwise and counterclockwise. In addition, the number of layers of the vector potential coils in the ninth embodiment can also be one layer, as long as the winding directions of the two vector potential coils are opposite to each other, the effect of the present invention can be obtained.

[0113] In addition, here, the vector potential coil device 1 has two vector potential coils, and the rotation direction of each is exactly opposite. That is, the rotation direction of one vector potential coil is clockwise, and the rotation direction of the other vector potential coil is counterclockwise. In this way, a vector potential can be generated at a predetermined position of the biological body. For example, when an alternating current flows, an electrical stimulus from the paper surface to the inner side is applied to one eyeball, and an electrical stimulus from the inner side to the paper surface in the opposite direction is applied to the other eyeball. In addition, when the direction of the alternating current changes, an electrical stimulus from the inner side to the paper surface is applied to one eyeball, and an electrical stimulus from the paper surface to the opposite direction is applied to the other eyeball. In this way, the two vector potentials are always canceled at a distance, and can be alternately applied near (near) the two vector potential coils. For example, in ophthalmic treatment, vector potential stimulation is applied to the closer eyeball, and for the farther brain, it is canceled by differential motion, thereby suppressing side effects.

[0114] Thus, even in the case where it is difficult to make an optical approach to the retina (observation using a camera, laser treatment) due to the turbidity of the lens or vitreous body of the eye or light scattering, the vector potential coil device 1 of the ninth embodiment can be used to uniformly apply electrical stimulation without being affected by the medium. In particular, in the vitreous region after retinal detachment surgery, it is difficult to make an optical approach to the retina due to the presence of a liquid surface in the eye during the process of replacing xenon hexafluoride (XeF6) gas with body fluid. In addition, in the electrostatic induction method, it is extremely difficult to make the electric field act on the retina through the vitreous body with high conductivity.

[0115] On the other hand, according to the vector potential coil device 1 of the ninth embodiment, a vector potential can be generated in the retina, and electrical stimulation can be applied as expected.

[0116] in addition, Fig.171 is a diagram showing an example of mounting a vector potential coil device 1 according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. In this example, the vector potential coil device 1 according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention is mounted on a frame such as an eye mask. Therefore, since the vector potential coil device 1 is arranged near the eyeball as described above, a vector potential can be generated at a site such as the retina.

[0117] Fig.18 1 is a diagram showing another example of mounting the vector potential coil device 1 according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention. In this example, the vector potential coil device 1 according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention is mounted on a frame such as goggles. Similarly, since the vector potential coil device 1 is arranged near the eyeball as described above, a vector potential can be generated at a site such as the retina.

[0118] It should be noted that various changes and modifications may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope thereof and without diminishing the intended advantages thereof. Since these changes and modifications are obvious to those skilled in the art, these changes and modifications should also be included in the scope of protection of the claims of this application.

[0119] For example, in the above-mentioned embodiment, an electrostatic shield or a magnetic shield, or any one of them, may be arranged between the VP coil 11 and the target to which the vector potential is applied (such as the eye 101). Even in this case, since the vector potential passes through the electrostatic shield or the magnetic shield, or any one of them, even if the electrostatic shield or the magnetic shield, or any one of them, is arranged, it can be applied to the target to which the vector potential is applied.

[0120] In the above-described embodiment, the ferromagnetic member disposed along the coil axis of the VP coil 11 may be omitted as necessary.

[0121] In the third and fourth embodiments, the VP coil 11 is formed into a two-layer structure of the inner solenoid coil 11-1 and the outer solenoid coil 11-2 in the radial direction, but the number of layers may be 4 or more as long as the number of layers is an even number. In this case, any end of the solenoid coil 11-i is connected to the solenoid coil 11-(i+1) of the next layer, so that the solenoid coils 11-i of all layers are electrically connected in series.

[0122] (Industrial Applicability)

[0123] The present invention can be applied, for example, to situations where a VP coil is used to generate a vector potential in an electrical stimulation method for ophthalmic treatment.

Claims

1. An electrical stimulation vector potential generating device used in ophthalmic treatment, characterized in that: have: A vector potential coil, which is a solenoid coil extending along a straight or curved coil axis, a ferromagnetic member extending along the coil axis in the solenoid coil, A power supply device that causes current to flow through the vector potential coil; The vector potential coil and the ferromagnetic member have openings in the circumferential direction thereof.

2. The electric stimulation vector potential generating device used in ophthalmic treatment according to claim 1, characterized in that: have: a plurality of vector potential coils, which are solenoid coils extending along a straight or curved coil axis including the vector potential coils, a plurality of ferromagnetic components extending along the coil axis in the solenoid coils of the plurality of vector potential coils; The power supply device causes current to flow through the plurality of vector potential coils.

3. The electric stimulation vector potential generating device used in ophthalmic treatment according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The coil axis is formed into an arc shape, An angle from one end to the other end of the vector potential coil when viewed from the center of a circle including the coil axis is smaller than 360 degrees.

4. The electric stimulation vector potential generating device used in ophthalmic treatment according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The ferromagnetic component has electrical conductivity. One end of the vector potential coil is electrically connected to one end of the ferromagnetic component. The power supply device applies a voltage to the other end of the vector potential coil and the other end of the ferromagnetic member, thereby causing a current to flow through the vector potential coil.

5. The electric stimulation vector potential generating device used in ophthalmic treatment according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The ferromagnetic member extends toward the outside of the vector potential coil to form a closed magnetic circuit.

6. The electric stimulation vector potential generating device used in ophthalmic treatment according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The vector potential coil includes an inner solenoid coil and an outer solenoid coil respectively extending along the same curved coil axis, One end of the inner solenoid coil and one end of the outer solenoid coil are electrically connected to each other, The power supply device applies a voltage to the other end of the inner solenoid coil and the other end of the outer solenoid coil, thereby causing a current to flow through the vector potential coil.

7. The electric stimulation vector potential generating device used in ophthalmic treatment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The electric stimulation vector potential generating device used in ophthalmic treatment further comprises a support body supporting the vector potential coil and the ferromagnetic component. The vector potential coil and the ferromagnetic member are arranged at a position where a vector potential is generated on the biological body through the support body. An electrostatic shield or a magnetic shield or either one of them is arranged between the biological body, the vector potential coil, and the ferromagnetic member.

8. The electric stimulation vector potential generating device used in ophthalmic treatment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The power supply device applies forward and reverse pulse voltages alternately.

9. A method for configuring a vector potential coil, characterized in that: Without attaching the support body to the biological body, the vector potential coil and the ferromagnetic component are arranged at a position where a vector potential is generated on the biological body by the support body that supports the vector potential coil and the ferromagnetic component, wherein the vector potential coil is a solenoid coil extending along a straight or curved coil axis, and the ferromagnetic component is a component extending along the coil axis inside the solenoid coil.

10. An electrical stimulation vector potential generating device for use in ophthalmic treatment, characterized in that: have: A plurality of vector potential coils, which are a plurality of solenoid coils extending along respective coil axes, A power supply device that causes current to flow through the plurality of vector potential coils; The plurality of vector potential coils are arranged along a linear or curved arrangement direction.

11. The electric stimulation vector potential generating device used in ophthalmic treatment according to claim 10, characterized in that: The electrical stimulation vector potential generating device used in the ophthalmic treatment further includes a plurality of ferromagnetic components extending along the coil axis in the plurality of solenoid coils.

12. The electric stimulation vector potential generating device used in ophthalmic treatment according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that: The plurality of vector potential coils are respectively wound along a linear coil axis, and are wound so that an inclination angle of the winding direction gradually changes along the direction of the coil axis.

13. The electric stimulation vector potential generating device used in ophthalmic treatment according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that: The plurality of vector potential coils are arranged along an arc-shaped arrangement direction and within a range of a predetermined central angle of a circle including the arc in the arrangement direction. The specified central angle is any angle less than 180 degrees.

14. The electric stimulation vector potential generating device used in ophthalmic treatment according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that: The plurality of vector potential coils are respectively wound along the curved coil axes and are arranged such that the curved inner directions of the coil axes intersect each other.

15. The electric stimulation vector potential generating device used in ophthalmic treatment according to claim 10, characterized in that: The electric stimulation vector potential generating device used in ophthalmic treatment further comprises a support body supporting a plurality of the vector potential coils. When the support body is not attached to the living body, the plurality of vector potential coils are arranged at positions where vector potential is generated on the living body. An electrostatic shield or a magnetic shield or either one of them is arranged between the biological body, the vector potential coil, and the ferromagnetic member.

16. The electric stimulation vector potential generating device used in ophthalmic treatment according to claim 10, characterized in that: The power supply device applies forward and reverse pulse voltages alternately.

17. A method for configuring an electric stimulation vector potential coil used in ophthalmic treatment, characterized in that: Without attaching the support body to the biological body, the plurality of vector potential coils are arranged at positions where vector potential is generated on the biological body by the support body supporting the plurality of vector potential coils, wherein the plurality of vector potential coils are a plurality of solenoid coils extending along respective coil axes.

18. An electrical stimulation vector potential generating device for use in ophthalmic treatment, characterized in that: have: A vector potential coil, which is a solenoid coil extending along the spiral coil axis, A power supply device that causes current to flow through the vector potential coil; The vector potential coils are arranged along a spiral arrangement direction.

19. The electric stimulation vector potential generating device used in ophthalmic treatment according to claim 18, characterized in that: The electrical stimulation vector potential generating device used in the ophthalmic treatment includes a plurality of vector potential coils arranged in the spiral shape.

20. The electric stimulation vector potential generating device used in ophthalmic treatment according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that: The electrical stimulation vector potential generating device used in the ophthalmic treatment further includes a ferromagnetic member extending along the coil axis in the solenoid coil.

21. The electric stimulation vector potential generating device used in ophthalmic treatment according to claim 19, characterized in that: The plurality of vector potential coils are respectively wound in a clockwise direction and a counterclockwise direction.

22. The electric stimulation vector potential generating device used in ophthalmic treatment according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that: The electric stimulation vector potential generating device used in ophthalmic treatment further comprises a support body for supporting the vector potential coil. The plurality of vector potential coils are arranged at positions where vector potential is generated on the biological body without attaching the support body to the biological body using a frame body around the support body, The frame is arranged between the support and the organism. An electrostatic shield or a magnetic shield or either one of them is arranged between the biological body and the vector potential coil and the ferromagnetic member.

23. The electric stimulation vector potential generating device used in ophthalmic treatment according to claim 18, characterized in that: The power supply device applies forward and reverse pulse voltages alternately.

24. A method for configuring an electric stimulation vector potential coil used in ophthalmic treatment, characterized in that: The support body supporting a plurality of vector potential coils is used to arrange the plurality of vector potential coils at positions where vector potential is generated on the biological body without using a frame body around the support body to attach the support body to the biological body, wherein the plurality of vector potential coils are a plurality of solenoid coils extending along respective spiral coil axes of two or more layers, The frame is arranged between the support and the living body.

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