Magnetic stimulation device for inducing biochemical, metabolic or morphological changes at a cellular or systemic level

Abstract

The present invention discloses a structure for magnetic coils that integrate a magnetic stimulation device, wherein the arrangement of a plurality of magnetic coils generates a vortex magnetic field to stimulate areas of interest, for example, towards the hippocampus in the brain of a subject in order to reduce Tau protein phosphorylation, which is an indicator of cognitive process pathologies such as memory loss, learning difficulties or diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. The present invention integrates a magnetic emitter based on modular magnetic coils to generate a vortex magnetic field, either around a body part of a subject or on their head, chest or abdomen. Alternatively, the magnetic stimulation device has cooling means that reduce the temperature of the magnetic coils during their operation, in a slim, portable structural configuration. Control means are used to adjust the characteristics of the desired magnetic field and the area where it is applied by controlling the power and frequency provided to each of them.

Description

[0001] MAGNETIC STIMULATION DEVICE TO INDUCE BIOCHEMICAL OR METABOLIC OR MORPHOLOGICAL CHANGES AT THE CELLULAR OR SYSTEMIC LEVEL.

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION.

[0003] The present invention relates to a magnetic stimulation device for the emission of magnetic fields with which biochemical or metabolic or morphological changes are induced at the cellular or systemic level to generate effects such as improving cognitive processes or being applied in treatments for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's by reducing the phosphorylation of the tau protein, or in the treatment of mental illnesses.

[0004] OBJECT OF THE INVENTION.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to generate a vortex-type magnetic wave field, which is applied, for example, in the order of milliteslas or its equivalent in Gaussian for magnetic stimulation, such as brain magnetic stimulation in specific areas; for example, magnetic waves are induced towards the hippocampus to reduce the phosphorylation of the Tau protein, which is related to pathologies of cognitive processes and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. In an alternative application, through the present invention, a magnetic field is induced in specific areas of the brain to morphologically modify said areas at the cellular or biochemical level by adjusting the intensity of the magnetic field to obtain a specific effect, for example, to stimulate the production of metabolites of a certain type or increase the synoptic spines of neurons.

[0006] BACKGROUND.

[0007] From published studies it is known that, through the induction of magnetic fields it is possible to stimulate biochemical, metabolic or morphological changes at the cellular or systemic level, as demonstrated in the document “Low frequency vortex magnetic field reduces amyloid (3) aggregation, increase cell viability and protect from amyloid (3) toxicity” by A. Maldonado-Moreles, et al, published in Electromagnetic Biology and Medicine 40 (1 ), 191-200, as well as in the article “An Extremely Low- Frequency Vortex Magnetic Field Modifies Protein Expression, Rearranges the Cytoskeleton, and Induces Apoptosis of a Human Neuroblastoma Cell Line” by Diana I. Aparicio-Bautista, et al, published in Bioelectromagnetics 43 (4), 225-244.

[0008] Tau protein phosphorylation is an indicator of cognitive impairments, such as memory loss, learning difficulties, or neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease.

[0009] Another example of the application of vortex magnetic fields is known from the document named “Portable device for magnetic stimulation: Assessment survival and proliferation in human lymphocytes” published in September 2013 in “The Review of scientific instruments 84(9):094701” of “RESEARCH GATE”, by Huetzin Pérez et al, DOI:10.1063 / 1 .4819796, in which an instrumentation of a magnetic stimulation device using vortex magnetic fields is disclosed, to stimulate human lymphocytes with the objective of assisting the survival of lymphocytes and their proliferation, by means of a vortex magnetic field, in the order of 1.13 mT to 4.13 mT.

[0010] Inventions for the application of magnetic stimulation waves to brain areas to reduce phosphorylation of the Tau protein are known, with means that affect magnetic fields in brain areas, such as the following documents:

[0011] EP1615694B1 discloses a method and apparatus for influencing magnetic particles, with a method and apparatus for generating magnetic fields; a spatially inhomogeneous magnetic field is generated, having at least one region in which the magnetization of the particles is in a non-saturation state, while it is in a saturation state in the remaining region; moving said region within the action zone produces a change in magnetization that is detectable from the outside and provides information about the spatial distribution of the magnetic particles in the action zone.

[0012] In the document published as WO9919936A1 an electric and magnetic field generator, corresponding field detector and sample analyzer is presented in which electric and magnetic fields are generated using an energized supertoroidal conductor at frequencies greater than 2c / 1 , where c is the speed of light and 1 is the length of the supertoroidally wound conductor. The resulting fields are strongly spatially heterogeneous in the near field region and can interact with molecules that have electric and magnetic multipole moments, but no significant dipole moment.

[0013] Document W003000336A2 discloses magnetic therapy devices and methods, where static and electromagnetic therapeutic devices increase blood circulation in areas of the body subject to magnetic field induction. The therapeutic devices are useful in the treatment of various diseases and conditions, such as erectile dysfunction, peripheral vascular disease, cerebral insufficiency, and certain vascular pathologies.

[0014] Document W02020041705A1 discloses methods and systems for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and tauopathies by direct current stimulation, applying a direct current source to a skull or a spinal cord in animals, including humans.

[0015] Document CN1 13413546A discloses a portable magnetic stimulation system for improving cognitive impairment in individuals by regulating brain wave signal consisting of a flexible hat-type coil, a charging power source, a voltage converter, a relay and a controller, where the flexible coil generates a square wave pulse magnetic field with an intensity to resonate and enhance the brain wave signal to improve cognitive functions such as brain learning and memory.

[0016] Document US2019224489A1 discloses a treatment for Alzheimer's disease that employs ultra-low magnetic field oscillations, as well as other neurodegenerative diseases in the central nervous system in gamma frequency bands that stimulate neuronal currents and activate the natural healing processes of microglia. Magnetoencephalographic emissions are generated by current loops from groups of neurons that produce equivalent current dipoles.

[0017] Document US202101 13846A1 discloses a transcutaneous irradiation device and application to the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, in particular, the transcutaneous irradiation device of the invention configured for the prevention or treatment of neurological disorders comprising an upper portion to be placed on the head of a user and at least one transcutaneous irradiation module consisting of at least one irradiation source and a lower portion to be placed on the abdomen of the user and at least one transcutaneous irradiation module consisting of at least one irradiation source.

[0018] Document CA2342869A1 and US6099459A teach a magnetic field generating device and method for generating and applying a magnetic field for treating specific conditions. The device includes a signal generator, an attenuator connected to the signal generator, and Helmholtz coils.

[0019] Other inventions are known from documents US20230059748A1 , WO2014074638A1 , WO2015079324A2, WO201 6023126A1 , CN1 14306944A,

[0020] CN1 15607846A, US20180193658A1.

[0021] TECHNICAL PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED.

[0022] Devices known from the state of the art present coil arrangements to treat various pathologies or medical conditions, for example neurodegenerative diseases;These antecedents support the viability of applying magnetic fields to tissues for various purposes; however, in the state of the art there are no inventions that allow the integration of magnetic coil modules for the formation of magnetic fields, in a condition that allows obtaining magnetic field vortices, in which the intensity of the magnetic field is modified to affect the magnetic vortex in different areas of organs of interest to induce biochemical or metabolic or morphological modifications at the cellular or systemic level, such as, for example, in specific areas of the brain or different types of tissues, depending on the medical condition presented by the subject under treatment, by means of a structure that allows it to be configured to the conditions according to a certain therapy, based on a structural medullary.

[0023] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION.

[0024] The present invention relates to a magnetic stimulation device for inducing biochemical, metabolic, or morphological changes at the cellular or systemic level, using variable-intensity magnetic waves that integrate a vortex magnetic field for which the number of coils, the number of active coils, and the magnetic intensity generated by each of them are modified to affect specific areas according to a defined therapy. By way of illustration and not limitation, the present invention is described for its application in the treatment of Tau protein phosphorylation, which is related to pathologies in cognitive processes and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. Another example of an opportunity for the application of vortex magnetic fields is presented in the stimulation of lymphocytes, with the aim of assisting the survival of the lymphocytes themselves and their proliferation.These alternatives do not limit the application of vortex magnetic fields using the magnetic stimulation device of the present invention in different types of tissues for the treatment of various pathologies.

[0025] The present invention generates vortex magnetic fields that, for example, are applied to specific areas of the brain to stimulate them appropriately. For example, vortex magnetic fields are applied to the hippocampus in order to reduce the phosphorylation of the Tau protein, which is one of the most relevant post-translational modifications in the development of neurodegenerative diseases. The present invention induces low-frequency magnetic brain stimulation in specific areas of the brain, which represents a non-invasive and painless means, with the purpose of reducing the phosphorylation of proteins associated with the development of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, such that its application is reflected in the improvement of impaired cognitive processes.

[0026] The present invention relates to a magnetic coil module for integrating a device for inducing magnetic fields into a housing in which the magnetic coils are arranged such that the magnetic field is vortex-type, also known as a heterogeneous magnetic field, in the order of milliteslas or its equivalent in Gauss; said magnetic coils are comprised of a metallic core with metallic windings for generating magnetic waves from an electric flux. The magnetic coils are oriented at an angle relative to a common plane in which they are arranged in a number and size according to the intensity of the desired vortex magnetic field.

[0027] For the example of the application of the magnetic stimulation device of the present invention, an alternative is described to induce a magnetic field to the hippocampus to reduce the phosphorylation of the Tau protein, which comprises a base structure in the form of a crown that surrounds the area where it is desired to apply the vortex magnetic field; in this base structure there are a plurality of magnetic coils to generate a vortex magnetic field; said arrangement of magnetic coils is integrated by a number of magnetic coils for the formation of magnetic waves in such a way that, with the adjustment of their intensity, they are directed towards specific areas, in this case, specific areas of the brain, particularly towards the hippocampus. A base structure is of suitable characteristics to be arranged to the contour of the skull of a subject;A low-frequency vortex magnetic field (VMF) acts on the hippocampus to decrease the phosphorylation of the Tau protein. Once the magnetic stimulation device has been formed, in accordance with the requirements for the determined therapeutic indication, it is complemented by a control module to regulate the intensity of the magnetic field by controlling the intensity of an energy flow supplied to the coil array; said electric flow is controlled according to the intensity required for the area where the magnetic field is to be applied, as well as the selection of the coils that need to be activated; the selection of the activated coils and the intensity of the magnetic field generated by each of them is carried out independently or simultaneously, so that the connection of said coils is carried out in a series arrangement, or in parallel, or independently or in a combination of these configurations;Alternatively, in a magnetic stimulation device there are elements to circulate a cooling medium and reduce the temperature of the coils to improve their operation.

[0028] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES.

[0029] Figure 1 .- Top perspective view of a magnetic coil for a magnetic stimulation device.

[0030] Figure 2.- Bottom perspective view of the magnetic coil for the magnetic stimulation device.

[0031] Figure 3.- Exploded bottom perspective view of a magnetic module to integrate an alternative to a magnetic emitter.

[0032] Figure 4.- Exploded front view of the magnetic module.

[0033] Figure 5.- Exploded front schematic view of an assembly alternative for a magnetic emitter with a plurality of magnetic modules.

[0034] Figure 6.- Front view of an alternative magnetic transmitter integrated by a plurality of magnetic modules.

[0035] Figure 7.- Perspective view of an alternative magnetic emitter integrated by a plurality of magnetic modules.

[0036] Figure 8.- Upper right front isometric perspective view of a second alternative of the magnetic emitter for a magnetic stimulation device, in a condition of use.

[0037] Figure 9.- Upper left front isometric perspective view of the second alternative of the magnetic emitter for a magnetic stimulation device in a condition of use.

[0038] Figure 10.- Upper left front isometric perspective view of the second type of magnetic transmitter for the magnetic stimulation device.

[0039] Figure 1 1.- Upper posterior left isometric perspective view of the second modality of the magnetic stimulation device.

[0040] Figure 12.- Lower left front isometric perspective view of the second type of magnetic transmitter for the magnetic stimulation device.

[0041] Figure 13.- Left side view of the second type of magnetic stimulation device.

[0042] Figure 14.- Schematic view in upper left posterior isometric perspective of the distribution of magnetic coils in the second mode of the magnetic emitter for the magnetic stimulation device.

[0043] Figure 15.- Exploded right side view of the second type of magnetic transmitter for the magnetic stimulation device.

[0044] Figure 16.- Top view of a coil housing of the second type of magnetic transmitter for the magnetic stimulation device.

[0045] Figure 17.- Schematic view of a cross-section of the second type of magnetic transmitter for the magnetic stimulation device.

[0046] Figure 18.- Perspective view of a coil arrangement for the second mode of the magnetic emitter of the magnetic stimulation device.

[0047] Figure 19.- Schematic side view of the vortex magnetic field flow generated by the coil arrangement of a magnetic emitter.

[0048] Figure 20.- Top view of the vortex magnetic field flow generated by one of the magnetic coils of a magnetic emitter.

[0049] Figure 21.- Longitudinal schematic view in an operating orientation of one of the coils of a magnetic emitter.

[0050] Figure 22.- Schematic cross-sectional view of one of the coils of a magnetic emitter.

[0051] Figure 23A to Figure 23D.- Schematic view of alternatives for the arrangement of magnetic coils for the generation of magnetic fields for a magnetic stimulation device.

[0052] Figure 24.- Schematic view of an operating circuit for a magnetic stimulation device.

[0053] Figure 25A to Figure 25G.- Schematic view of vortex magnetic field trajectories generated from various operating alternatives of the device for magnetic stimulation.

[0054] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION.

[0055] The device for magnetic stimulation (01) comprises a plurality of magnetic coils (10), such as the one shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2, in a number suitable for generating a vortex type magnetic field (MG), of a certain intensity from the interaction between the magnetic waves produced by each of said magnetic coils (10).

[0056] Vortex type magnetic fields (MG) are produced by the present invention from magnetic waves produced by magnetic coils (10), arranged in the same plane which, illustratively and to support a better understanding of the present invention, said plane is oriented horizontally, which does not limit a different orientation. Said magnetic coils (10) are arranged in such a way that the trajectories of the magnetic waves describe a component in the plane itself on which the magnetic coils (10) are arranged, as well as in the planes perpendicular to it.The magnetic fields (MG) are of such intensity that their trajectories form a whirlpool or vortex with an axis perpendicular to the plane where the magnetic coils (10) are arranged; said vortex converges in treatment areas (A) that are of interest for its application and, if necessary, interferences are configured in the trace of its trajectories, as schematically presented in Figure 25A to Figure 25G. With the effect caused by the orientation of the magnetic coils (10), the vortex type magnetic field (MG) is generated; the focus of the vortex of the magnetic waves is made to affect a treatment area (A), for example, the hippocampus of a subject to treat the phosphorylation of the Tau protein; the intensity of the magnetic field (MG) is configured with the necessary characteristics to induce biochemical, metabolic, or morphological changes at the cellular or systemic level, in accordance with a specific identified pathology.

[0057] The dimension and geometry of each of the magnetic coils (10) corresponds to the power and characteristics of the vortex magnetic field (MG) that is to be generated. Similarly, the energy at a certain frequency provided to each of the coils (10) corresponds to the intensity of the magnetic field (MG) that is to be generated and to the location where the generated vortex is required to be positioned, as well as to the effect required by the magnetic stimulation carried out by means of the waves that make up the magnetic field (MG), according to a specific therapy.

[0058] The magnetic stimulation device (01 ) comprises at least one pair of magnetic coils (10) as shown in Figure 25A to form a vortex with the magnetic waves that make up the magnetic field (MG); ideally, there are at least three magnetic coils, as shown in Figure 25B and Figure 25C, for the magnetic stimulation device (01 ) where, each of the magnetic coils (10) comprises a core support (1 1 ); illustratively, the core support (1 1 ) has an elongated geometry, preferably in the form of an arch; the orientation of each magnetic coil (10) has an inclination with respect to the horizontal plane, suitable for generating a vortex or heterogeneous type magnetic field (MG), as shown in Figure 5 to Figure 7, Figure 14, Figure 15, Figure 18, Figure 19, Figure 21 and Figure 23A to 23D;illustratively, the inclination of the magnetic coils (10) have an angle other than an angle perpendicular to the plane where the magnetic coils (10) are arranged, for example, they are oriented at an angle of between 15 degrees to 75 degrees, thus the magnetic waves of the magnetic fields (MG) of each magnetic coil (10) describe a trajectory that is projected in treatment zones (A) that is of interest for its application and if necessary, interferences are configured in the trace of its trajectories with magnetic waves of magnetic fields (MG) generated by other magnetic coils (10) as shown schematically in Figure 25A to Figure 25G.;

[0059] In the core support (1 1 ) there is a core housing (1 1 a) of a dimension and geometry suitable for retaining a coil core (12) as shown in Figure 1, Figure 2 and Figure 20 to Figure 22 by means of known elements such as adhesives, interference of dimensions or similar elements; the coil core (12) is an element of a magnetic or magnetizable or ferromagnetic material, of elongated geometry, preferably in the form of an arc, of geometric characteristics that complement the geometry of the core housing (1 1 a), as shown in Figure 1 to Figure 3.The geometry of the core support (11) and the coil core (12) described does not limit the geometry to present an alternative such as a cubic, cylindrical or other geometry that allows the magnetic waves generated by the plurality of magnetic coils (10) to be oriented in an inclined manner with respect to the plane where they are located, in order to generate a vortex of magnetic fields (MG).

[0060] A magnetic winding (13) is made up of a wire wound along the core support (11), between its distal ends and in parallel with the longitudinal faces of the coil core (12), so that two opposite longitudinal edges of the coil core (12) are left uncovered for the circulation of the magnetic field (MG) when the electric flux (e-) passes through the magnetic winding (13).

[0061] Each magnetic winding (13) is suitable for connecting the magnetic coils (10), for example, for a series connection, an end portion of the wire of each of the magnetic coils (10) is connected to an initial portion of a subsequent magnetic coil (10), downstream of the electric flux (e-) provided to the magnetic coils (10) to generate the magnetic field (MG); a first end of an electric cable (33) is connected to a stimulation control module (40) and the second end of the electric cable (33) is connected to the magnetic coils (10) such that, a first wire pole (not illustrated) of the electric cable (33) is connected to an initial wire portion of a magnetic coil (10); an end portion of wire of a last magnetic coil (10) of the plurality of magnetic coils (10) is connected to a second wire pole (not illustrated) of the electric cable (33) to close the electric circuit.This connection does not limit the connections between the magnetic coils (10) to be made in a parallel connection or in a series-parallel connection, according to the generation conditions required for the vortex type magnetic field (MG), based on a specific therapeutic indication. In an alternative, there are magnetic windings (13) in the magnetic coils (10) with more than one wire to form more than one group of magnetic waves and form more than one magnetic field (MG) with complex characteristics in the same magnetic coil (10).

[0062] The arc-shaped geometry of each of the magnetic coils (10) favors the incidence of magnetic waves of the magnetic field (MG) in a treatment area (A) and, if necessary, interferences of magnetic waves of the magnetic fields (MG) produced by the magnetic coil itself (10) are generated, as shown schematically in Figure 16, Figure 19 to Figure 22, which is combined with the same effect of each of the plurality of coils that make up a magnetic emitter (200) and in this way, integrate a vortex magnetic field (MG); mainly, the magnetic waves oriented towards the center of the magnetic emitter (200) are of interest, optionally, those oriented with the concave face of the arc-shaped geometry of the magnetic coils (10) as shown schematically in Figure 16, Figure 20 and Figure 22.

[0063] In a first alternative, each magnetic coil (10) is installed in a housing of a magnetic module (20), which is a hollow body made of a material inert to the magnetic field (MG), with a geometry to house a coil (10), as shown in Figure 3 to Figure 7; illustratively, each magnetic module (20) has a lower module housing (21) where a lower coil cavity (21a) is defined and an upper module housing (22) in which an upper coil cavity (22a) is defined.There is a lower projection (23) having a triangular shape oriented downwards from a first distal edge of the lower module housing (21); on the other hand, there is an upper projection (24) having a triangular shape oriented upwards from a second distal edge of the upper module housing (24), so that projections (23, 24) are located on opposite distal edges of the magnetic module (20) as shown in Figure 3 to Figure 7.On one of the faces of the lower projection (23) facing the second distal edge of the lower module housing (21) there is a bolt housing (25) in which a housing bolt (26) is received and where there are bolt retaining means (not illustrated); in a complementary manner, there is the housing bolt (26) on one of the faces of the upper projection (24) facing the first distal edge of the upper module housing (22), of a dimension to be housed in a sliding manner in the bolt housing (25), where the bolt retaining means (not illustrated) in one of the magnetic modules (20) holds the housing bolt (26) of another adjacent magnetic module (20), such that, by coupling a plurality of magnetic modules (20) a magnetic emitter (200) is integrated, as shown in Figure 6 and Figure 7, of suitable characteristics as required.

[0064] With this structure, the housing bolt (26) of an adjacent magnetic module (20) is received in the bolt housing (25); the bolt retaining means (not illustrated) in the bolt housing (25) hold and retain the housing bolt (26) in a removable and rotatable manner for articulated assembly between two magnetic modules (20), such that the magnetic modules (20) are assembled or removed with which they are coupled in a number to integrate a magnetic emitter (200), for example, a ring shape is configured, with dimensions according to the conditions required for the application of a magnetic field (MG) in a treatment area (A), as shown in Figure 5 to Figure 7.

[0065] The geometry of the projections (23, 24) is complemented to arrange the magnetic coils (10) in each of the magnetic modules (20) in an inclined orientation, as can be seen in Figure 6 and Figure 7 so that, in operation, the magnetic waves generated from the assembly of the magnetic modules (20) in the described configuration integrate a magnetic field (MG) of the vortex type.

[0066] Module connections (not shown) are provided for transmitting power via the housing pin (26) and via pin retaining means (not shown) between two coupled magnetic modules (20) to energize the magnetic coil (10) contained in each magnetic module (20). Conveniently, the housing pin (26) is hollow for the passage of a cooling medium (Q) between the hollow bodies of the magnetic modules (20) to cool the magnetic coils (10) of each magnetic module (20) and improve their operation.

[0067] Alternatively, one of the magnetic modules (20) comprising the magnetic emitter (200) has coolant ports (212) communicating with the interior of the magnetic module (20). Coolant ducts (31, 32) are provided in the coolant ports (212) to circulate a cooling medium (Q) to and from a stimulation control module (40) to cool the magnetic coils (10) during operation of the magnetic stimulation device (01). An inlet port (212a) and an outlet port (212b) are defined among the coolant ports (212); ideally, the coolant ports (212) are positioned adjacent to form a circuit through which the cooling medium (Q) circulates.

[0068] The bolt retaining means (not illustrated) has packing elements to form a seal with the housing bolt (26) to secure the path of the cooling medium (Q) against leakage when it circulates from one magnetic module (20) to another.

[0069] A cable port (213) is located in one of the walls of the emitter body (210) for the passage of an electric cable (33) through which an electric flow (e ) is provided towards the group of magnetic coils (10) of an arrangement of coils (300) for the generation of a magnetic field (MG) of controlled intensity. In a preferred alternative, the housing bolt (26) and the bolt retention means (not illustrated) have energy transmission elements (not illustrated), such that, once the magnetic modules (20) are coupled, the energy at a certain frequency is conducted between them, according to an indication for the application of a vortex magnetic field (MG). An electrical installation (not illustrated) for the passage of current from the bolt retention means (not illustrated) to the magnetic coil (10) in the corresponding magnetic module (20).

[0070] Inside the magnetic module (20) there is a coil support (27), located transversely in one of the coil cavities (21 a, 22a) to support the magnetic coil (10) inside the magnetic module (20); in the magnetic module (20) where the coolant ports (212) are located, the coil support (27) is located between the inlet port (212a) and the outlet port (212b) and extends in the cross section of the housing of the magnetic module (20) so that, in addition to supporting a magnetic coil (10), it covers the cross section of the coil cavity (21 a, 22a) generated in this magnetic module (20), to define a path of the cooling medium (Q) and with this, conduct it to the cavities in the magnetic modules (20) that integrate the magnetic emitter (200),so that the cooling medium (Q) enters through the inlet port (212a) through a cold flow line (31) to exit the magnetic emitter (200) through the outlet port (212b) towards the stimulation control module (40) through a hot flow line (32), so that the cooling medium (Q) captures heat from each of the magnetic coils (10) during the operation of the device for magnetic stimulation (01).

[0071] Conveniently, two of the magnetic modules (20) that configure a magnetic emitter (200) have means for installing a module mat (not illustrated) by means of which, a subject carries the magnetic emitter (200) during operation of the magnetic stimulation device (01) for the application of a magnetic field (MG) on the head. Said application alternative is one among others, such as an arrangement of a plurality of magnetic modules (20) to integrate a configuration to surround the thorax or abdomen or a limb of the body of a subject.

[0072] As a second alternative configuration for a magnetic emitter (200) of a magnetic stimulation device (01), a structure is illustratively presented for its application in therapies to treat the phosphorylation of the Tau protein, which is related to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and other cognitive processes, so for this alternative, the magnetic stimulation device (01) comprises a coil support (100) in which a magnetic emitter (200) is installed, which is made up of an emitter body (210) that is hollow, with an emitter cover (220) with a volume suitable for configuring a coil cavity (21 1); an array of coils (300) is housed in the coil cavity (21 1) of the emitter body (210) to generate a magnetic field (MG) that is incident on a treatment area (A), for example, in the brain of a subject.There are coolant conduits (31, 32) of suitable characteristics for the circulation of a cooling medium (Q) from a stimulation control module (40) to the magnetic emitter (200); an electric cable (33) extends from the stimulation control module (40) to the coil arrangement (300) to provide it with an electric flow (e-) to generate a magnetic field (MG). The length of the coolant conduits (31, 32) and the electric cable (33) is sufficient to allow mobility of the subject in a condition of use, as shown in Figure 8 and Figure 9; conveniently, the coolant conduits (31, 32) and the electric cable (33) are grouped to integrate an elongated and flexible element with a protective coating (30), in a way to reduce the possibility of twists or bends in its length.

[0073] The stimulation control module (40) has an electrical circuit (50), as shown in Figure 24 to provide the electric flow (e ) to specific operating conditions for the generation of the magnetic field (MG), in addition, it has elements to modify the characteristics of the electric flow (e ) with which, the intensity of a magnetic field (MG) generated by the arrangement of the coils (300) is conveniently modified; additionally, in the stimulation control module (40) there are pumping means (60) to circulate the cooling medium (Q), in addition to a cooling cell (70) to cool the cooling medium (Q) to a temperature to capture the heat generated by the coil arrangement (300) to reduce the temperature of the magnetic coils (10) when the device for magnetic stimulation (01 ) is in operation.

[0074] The stimulation control module (40) comprises a control cabinet (41 a) as shown in Figure 8, where the devices that comprise it are protected and in which there is a fluid port (42) for the passage of the coolant conduits (31, 32) to direct the cooling medium (Q) towards the cooling cell (70); in addition, there is a cable port (43) to install the electric cable (33) towards the electric circuit (60); an interface (44) in the control cabinet (41 a) allows viewing the reading of operating variables and in this way, make the necessary adjustments during the operation of the device for magnetic stimulation (01).

[0075] The energy with which the device for magnetic stimulation (01) operates is provided from an electrical installation (not illustrated) such that this energy is conditioned in a current regulator (60) for the necessary operating requirements, for example, the electric flow (e-) is provided with the same intensity to each magnetic coil (10) to generate a magnetic field (MG) from magnetic waves of the same intensity, to locate the focus of the vortex formed by the magnetic fields (MG) in a place near the center of the distribution of the plurality of magnetic coils (10) and in the same way, the frequency of the electric flow (e-) is conditioned to achieve a certain effect in the area where the vortex magnetic field (MG) affects, to induce changes of the biochemical or metabolic or morphological type at the cellular or systemic level.The proposed configuration does not limit the energy for the operation of the magnetic stimulation device (01) to be provided by energy storage means or batteries.

[0076] The cooling medium (Q) circulating from the stimulation control module (40) to the magnetic emitter (200) is one selected from a plurality of cooling medium alternatives, whether in liquid or gaseous state, with characteristics suitable for capturing the heat generated by the magnetic coils (10) and for dissipating heat in the cooling cell (70) thereby improving the operation of the magnetic emitter (200). Alternatively, the cooling cell (70) is a Peltier type cell, thereby reducing the space requirement in the stimulation control module (40) for cooling the cooling medium (Q).

[0077] The coil support (100) as shown in Figure 9 to Figure 13, is an element also known as morocco, made up of an arch-shaped support body (110) made of a flexible polymeric material, with a rack portion (111) at each of the distal ends of the support body (110) made of a polymeric material; an adjustment pawl (120) integrated with a rack guide (121 ) in which each rack portion (1 1 1 ) is housed to configure a ring as shown in Figure 1 1 to Figure 13, such that an adjustment knob (122) on the adjustment pawl (120) extends or retracts each rack portion (1 1 1 ) from the rack guide (121 ) whereby the perimeter of the coil holder (100) is modified to adjust it to the head of a subject as shown in Figure 8 and Figure 9;a loading arch (130) extends between the distal ends of the support body (110) as seen in Figure 8 to Figure 13 such that the weight of the magnetic emitter (200) is distributed by the support with adjustment of the support body (110) on the periphery of the subject's head and on the crown by the support of the loading arch (130) on it as can be seen in Figure 8 and Figure 9. A support anchor (140) is located at each distal end of the support body (1 10), at the intersection and on the outside of the loading arch (130); a support clasp (150) on the support anchor (140) is conveniently located to couple it to a clasp fitting (250) on the inner perimeter surface of the magnetic emitter (200) as shown in Figure 14, so that the support anchor (140) allows the coupling of the support body (110) with the magnetic emitter (200), as shown in Figure 12.;

[0078] The magnetic emitter (200) is integrated by the emitter body (210) which is an element of a geometry corresponding to the peripheral shape of the subject's head and of a dimension for the free passage of said subject's head, sufficient to favor the incidence of the magnetic field (MG) in a determined area of ​​the brain. The emitter body (210) is a horizontal body in the form of a hollow oval, such that an open container is configured in its upper plane, which configures a "U" shaped cross section, as shown in Figure 16 and Figure 17, of a dimension adequate to house the coil arrangement (300); an emitter cover (220) covers the open plane of the emitter body (210) in a sealed manner; some coolant ports (212) communicate towards the interior of the emitter body (210).Coolant conduits (31, 32) are installed in the coolant ports (212) to circulate a cooling medium (Q) to and from the stimulation control module (40) to cool the magnetic coils (10) during operation of the magnetic stimulation device (01). An inlet port (212a) and an outlet port (212b) are defined among the coolant ports (212); ideally, said coolant ports (212) are located adjacent to each other to form a circuit through which the cooling medium (Q) circulates. A cable port (213) is located in one of the walls of the emitter body (210) for the passage of an electric cable (33) through which an electric flow (e-) is provided to the group of magnetic coils (10) of the coil arrangement (300) for the generation of a magnetic field (MG) of controlled intensity.

[0079] The integration of the magnetic emitter (200) defines a coil cavity (211) in the emitter body (210) where the coil arrangement (300) is housed and through which a cooling medium (Q) circulates that flows from the stimulation control module (40) by means of a cold flow line (31) towards the coil cavity (211) through the inlet port (212a); a flow separator (214) is located transversely in the coil cavity (21 1 ), located between the inlet port (212a) and the outlet port (212b) so that it covers the cross section of the coil cavity (21 1 ), to define a path of the cooling medium (Q) and with this, conduct it along the coil cavity (21 1 ) in such a way that it leaves the magnetic emitter (200) through the outlet port (212b) towards the stimulation control module (40) by means of a hot flow line (32),so the cooling medium (Q) captures heat from the coil arrangement (300) during the operation of the device for magnetic stimulation (01 ), as shown schematically in Figure 17. Along the free edges of the open plane of the emitter body (210) there are eyebrow seats (215), with characteristics suitable for receiving lid eyebrows (221 ) and integrating a sealed closure of the coil cavity (21 1 ).,

[0080] The emitter cover (220) is a laminar body, of an oval geometry corresponding to the emitter body (210) to close the coil cavity (211); some cover eyebrows (221) are located on the face that faces the emitter body (210), conveniently arranged along the emitter cover (220) to be housed in the eyebrow seats (215) and retained in them to close the open plane of the emitter body (210), so that a closed channel is configured for the circulation of the cooling medium (Q). Conveniently, there are some gaskets (not illustrated) to ensure the seal between the cover eyebrows (221) when they are retained in the eyebrow seats (215), as shown in Figure 17.

[0081] The coil arrangement (300) is housed in the emitter body (210) and once it is located in the coil cavity (21 1) it is fixed in the flow separator (214) as shown in Figure 14 to Figure 16; ideally, the magnetic coils (10) are located away from the internal surfaces of the coil cavity (21 1) as can be seen in Figure 17, for greater contact with the cooling medium (Q) and to improve its cooling. The assembly of the magnetic emitter (200) with the coolant ducts (31, 32) from the stimulation control module (40) configures a closed circuit for the circulation of the coolant medium (Q).

[0082] The coil arrangement (300) as can be seen in Figure 14 to Figure 18 and Figure 23A to Figure 23D is integrated by a coil support (310) in which a plurality of magnetic coils (10) are installed, oriented in such a way that a magnetic field (MG) of the vortex type is generated. The coil support (310) is a ring-shaped element formed to be freely housed inside the coil cavity (211) inside the magnetic emitter (200), made of a polymeric material, inert to the magnetic field (MG) produced.The magnetic coils (10) are distributed in the coil support (310) where they are rigidly installed by means of known elements such as ultrasound, adhesives, rivets or similar elements; there are at least two magnetic coils (10), ideally 3 or more to affect the magnetic waves (MG) in a determined treatment area (A) when the device for magnetic stimulation (01) is in operation as shown in Figure 16, Figure 19 and Figure 23A to Figure 23D.

[0083] Alternatively, each magnetic coil (10) as well as the portions of wire that allow the connection between each of them and with the electric cable (33) are covered by an insulating coating (50) as shown schematically in figure 22; said insulating coating (50) is one that is selected from among the materials to electrically insulate electrical devices immersed in fluids, such as resins or varnishes or similar coatings for the operation of the magnetic coils (10) immersed in the cooling medium (Q) that circulates inside the magnetic emitter (200) as shown schematically in figure 17.

[0084] In a preferred embodiment, the magnetic coils (10) are installed in the coil holders (310) for example, so that the concave faces of the core holder (11) join on the outer face of the coil holder (310), as shown in Figure 14 to Figure 18 and Figure 23B.

[0085] The distribution of the coils in the coil support (310) is modified according to the desired characteristics of the magnetic field (MG) for example, in a preferred alternative, the magnetic coils (10) are arranged on the same external face of the coil support (310) so that their longitudinal axes are oriented in a parallel manner, as shown in Figure 14, Figure 15, Figure 18, Figure 19 and Figure 23A , which does not limit the magnetic coils (10) being located on the internal face of the coil support (310) as schematically shown in Figure 23A; in a second arrangement, the magnetic coils (10) are arranged alternately between the external face and the internal face of the coil support (310) so that their longitudinal axes are oriented in a parallel manner, as shown in Figure 23C and 23D;In a third arrangement, the magnetic coils (10) are installed on the same face of the coil holder (310), oriented such that the plane in which their longitudinal axes lie intersect to form an angle, as shown schematically in Figure 18B and Figure 23C; for a fourth arrangement, the magnetic coils (10) are installed alternately between the inner and outer faces of the coil holder (310), oriented such that the plane in which their longitudinal axes lie intersect to form an angle as shown in Figure 23C;

[0086] With the present invention, we have a slender and lightweight structure of a device for magnetic stimulation (01) of specific treatment areas (A), for example, of treatment areas (A) in the brain of a subject.

[0087] BEST WAY TO CARRY OUT THE INVENTION.

[0088] The magnetic stimulation device (01 ) provides a magnetic field (MG) to affect a specific treatment area (A), such as the hippocampus of a subject's brain; illustratively, the magnetic stimulation device (01 ) represents a magnetic stimulation device that is placed on a subject's head, as shown in Figure 8 and Figure 9, such that the racks (11 1 ) extend from the rack guide (121 ) by actuating the ratchet (120) by turning the adjustment knob (122) whereby the support body (110) is located at the height of the subject's forehead, until the coil support (100) surrounds the subject's head to seat the loading arch (130) on the subject's head; In this condition, the adjustment knob (122) is turned again to accommodate the racks (111) in the rack guides (121) until the coil holder (100) is held in the head.

[0089] In order to generate a vortex type (VMF) magnetic field (MG), the characteristics for an electric flow (e-) must be adjusted in the stimulation control module (40) according to a therapeutic indication determined by a medical specialist, defined for a subject on which the magnetic field (MG) generated in the magnetic emitter (200) is applied; activate the cooling cell (70) and the pumping means (60) to circulate the cooling medium (Q) from the stimulation control module (40) through the cold flow line (31) towards the coil cavity (21 1) of the magnetic emitter (200) through the inlet port (212a) to absorb the heat generated by each of the magnetic coils (10) with the cooling medium (Q) and continue its transit towards the outlet port (212b) from where it is directed towards the cooling cell (70) in the stimulation control module (40) through the hot flow line (32).The transit of the cooling medium (Q) inside the coil cavity (21 1 ) contacts each magnetic coil (10); the insulating coating (50) generates a physical barrier between the magnetic coil (10) together with the portion of wire between said magnetic coils (10) and the cooling medium (Q) which allows a safe transit of the electric flow (e-) between each magnetic winding (13).

[0090] The supply of the electric flow (e-) is activated towards the magnetic coils (10) in the magnetic emitter (200) to generate a magnetic field (MG); there are magnetic waves of the magnetic field (MG) projected from the longitudinal edges of the coil core (12) towards both sides from each magnetic coil (10) with respect to its transverse plane, those that are concentrated in the center of the magnetic emitter (200) being of interest, which have specific characteristics to affect a specific treatment area (A), for example in the brain of a subject; for example, the intensity defined for the magnetic field (MG) stimulates the activity of the hippocampus, thereby decreasing the phosphorylation of the Tau protein.

[0091] For the operating example of the invention of the present patent application, the electric flow (e-) is supplied in a range of 500 milliamperes (mA) up to 5.0 amps (A), depending on the voltage and characteristics of the coils, in such a way that a range must be operated that allows a balance between the power of the magnetic field (MG) generated by the coil arrangement (300) at an adequate operating temperature in the magnetic coils (10) which also ensures the integrity of the device for magnetic stimulation (01); Illustratively, an electric flow (e-) is provided at 48.0 volts (V), with 2.0 amps (A) at a frequency in the audible range, for example between 15 Hz and 40 kHz, to generate a magnetic field (MG) of 20.0 milliteslas (mT) in the vicinity of the magnetic coil (10), so that there are 2.0 milliteslas (mT) at the center of the magnetic emitter (200).This magnetic field (MF) with this intensity, affects the specific treatment area of ​​a subject's brain, specifically the hippocampus.

[0092] Once the period of incidence of the magnetic field (MG) on a subject is met, the supply of the electric flow (e-) to the magnetic coils (10) is suspended, the operation of the pumping means (60) is stopped and, subsequently, the operation of the cooling cell (70) is stopped; turn the adjustment knob (122) to extend the racks (1 1 1) from the rack guide (121) to expand the coil support (100) and remove the coil support (100) from the user's head.

[0093] In an alternative, the electric flux (e-) is provided with a different intensity and frequency to each magnetic coil (10) to generate a magnetic field (MG) from magnetic waves of different intensity, to locate the focus of the vortex formed by the magnetic fields (MG) in a different place than the center of the distribution of the plurality of magnetic coils (10), as shown in Figure 25F.

[0094] The structure of the magnetic coils (10) proposed in accordance with the present invention to form vortex type magnetic fields (MG) allows the configuration of arrangements of magnetic coils (10) with dimensions such that the magnetic field (MG) is incident on certain treatment zones (A) in parts of the body of a subject up to dimensions that allow the entire body of the subject to be accommodated and the number of magnetic coils to be modified or, where appropriate, to determine the active coils in a suitable manner according to a specific therapeutic indication.

Claims

CLAIMS.

1. A magnetic coil (10) for a device for magnetic stimulation (01) from a magnetic field (MG) generated by an electric flux (e-) characterized in that it comprises a core support (1 1) where there is a core housing (11 a) of a dimension and geometry suitable for retaining a coil core (12); the coil core (12) is an element of geometric characteristics that complements the geometry of the core housing (1 1 a); a magnetic winding (13) made up of wire wound between the distal ends of the core support (11 ) and in parallel with two opposite faces of the coil core (12), such that two opposite longitudinal edges of the coil core (12) are uncovered for the circulation of the magnetic field (MG) when the electric flux (e-) passes through the magnetic winding (13);a magnetic emitter (200) composed of a plurality of coils (10), where each magnetic coil (10) is oriented in an inclined manner with respect to the plane where the plurality of magnetic coils (10) are located, with an angle suitable for generating a vortex type magnetic field (MG) whose focus is applied in a treatment area (A); the electric flow (e-) is of characteristics to locate the focus of the vortex of the magnetic field (MG) in a desired treatment area (A) and of a determined frequency to induce biochemical or metabolic or morphological changes at the cellular or systemic level as required.; 2. The magnetic coil (10) as claimed in claim 1, further characterized in that the core support (11) has an elongated geometry.

3. The magnetic coil (10) as claimed in claim 1, further characterized in that the core support (11) has an elongated, arc-shaped geometry.

4. The magnetic coil (10) as claimed in claim 1, further characterized by magnetic windings (13) of the magnetic coils (10) with more than one wire to form more than one group of magnetic waves to form more than one vortex magnetic field (MG) in the same magnetic coil (10).

5. The magnetic coil (10) as claimed in claim 1, further characterized in that the inclination of the magnetic coils (10) has an angle of between 15 degrees and 75 degrees.

6. The magnetic coil (10) as claimed in claim 1, further characterized in that the coil core (12) is retained in the core housing (11a) of the core support (11) by known elements such as adhesives, interference of dimensions or similar elements.

7. The magnetic coil (10) as claimed in claim 1, further characterized in that the coil core (12) is an element of a magnetic or magnetizable or ferromagnetic material.

8. The magnetic coil (10) as claimed in claim 1, further characterized in that the coil core (12) has an elongated geometry corresponding to the shape of the core support (11).

9. The magnetic coil (10) as claimed in claim 1, further characterized in that the coil core (12) has an elongated, arc-shaped geometry.

10. The magnetic coil (10), in accordance with the claim 1, further characterized in that the magnetic waves of the magnetic fields (MG) of each magnetic coil (10) describe a path that configures a whirlpool or vortex with an axis perpendicular to the plane where the magnetic coils (10) are arranged, which converges in treatment zones (A) of interest and alternatively, interferences are configured in the trace of their paths. 1 1. The magnetic coil (10) as claimed in claim 1, further characterized by a magnetic module (20) in which a magnetic coil (10) is installed.

12. The magnetic coil (10) as claimed in claims 1 and 1, further characterized in that the magnetic module (20) has a pin housing (25) for receiving a housing pin (26) of an adjacent magnetic module (20); pin retaining means (not illustrated) in the pin housing (25) grip and retain the housing pin (26) in a removable and rotatable manner for articulated assembly between two magnetic modules (20) such that the magnetic modules (20) are assembled or removed to modify their number and integrate a ring-shaped magnetic emitter (200) of different dimensions according to the conditions required for the application of a magnetic field (MG) in a treatment zone (A).

13. The magnetic coil (10) as claimed in claim 1, further characterized in that a coil arrangement (300) comprises a plurality of magnetic coils (10) supported on a coil support (310) to generate a magnetic field (MG) that is incident on a treatment zone (A).

14. The magnetic coil (10), in accordance with the claims in the Claims 1 and 13 further characterized in that the coil arrangement (300) is housed in a magnetic emitter (200) which comprises an emitter body (210) that is hollow, with an emitter cover (220) to configure a coil cavity (21 1).

15. The magnetic coil (10) as claimed in claim 1 , further characterized in that the electric flux (e-) is provided with the same intensity to each magnetic coil (10) to generate a magnetic field (MG) from magnetic waves of the same intensity, to locate the focus of the vortex formed by the magnetic fields (MG) in the vicinity of the center of the distribution of the plurality of magnetic coils (10).

16. The magnetic coil (10) as claimed in claim 1 , further characterized in that the electric flux (e-) is provided with a different intensity to each magnetic coil (10) to generate a magnetic field (MG) from magnetic waves of different intensities, to locate the focus of the vortex formed by the magnetic fields (MG) in a place different from the center of the distribution of the plurality of magnetic coils (10).

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