Addressable TMS Magnetic Assemblies for Customizable Protocols
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) devices have limitations in applying standardized and customizable magnetic fields, leading to potential negative side effects due to high electrical currents and lack of reproducible treatment protocols.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising addressable magnetic assembly devices with actuators and sensors, connected to a processor that selects and generates control signals for rotating magnets to create varying electric fields within the brain, allowing for customizable treatment protocols and minimizing side effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If high electrical currents are used to generate magnetic fields for TMS treatment, then the therapeutic effect is improved, but the risk of negative side effects increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the TMS system into multiple independent magnetic assembly devices that can be selectively energized. Instead of using high current across the entire brain, the system segments the treatment into targeted regions, energizing only the necessary magnetic assemblies at lower current levels to achieve therapeutic effect while minimizing side effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic energization of magnetic assembly devices through programmable treatment protocols. The system applies magnetic fields in controlled pulses or bursts rather than continuous high current, allowing tissue recovery periods and reducing cumulative thermal and electrical stress that cause side effects.
2Reliability
If standardized treatment protocols are implemented, then reproducibility is improved, but the ability to customize treatment for individual patients is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates dynamically configurable treatment protocols where the system can adapt between standardized and customized approaches. The programmable processor allows treatment parameters to be dynamically adjusted based on patient-specific factors while maintaining reproducible core protocols, enabling flexibility without sacrificing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a universal TMS system that can execute multiple types of treatment protocols through programmable control. The same hardware platform supports both standardized protocols for common conditions and customized protocols for individual patient needs, making the system multi-functional and adaptable across different treatment scenarios.
3Productivity
If multiple magnetic assembly devices are energized simultaneously, then treatment efficiency is improved, but the complexity of control and coordination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sensors and feedback mechanisms that monitor the state of multiple magnetic assembly devices during simultaneous operation. The programmable processor receives feedback from each device and automatically coordinates their operation, simplifying control complexity while maintaining the efficiency benefits of parallel energization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a programmable processor as an intermediary that manages the coordination of multiple magnetic assembly devices. This central controller handles the complexity of simultaneous energization by automatically managing timing, sequencing, and parameter coordination, freeing operators from direct control complexity while maintaining treatment efficiency.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the creation of standardized and customizable treatment protocols for TMS, reducing the risk of side effects and improving reproducibility by variably energizing magnetic assembly devices to induce specific electric fields for therapeutic or diagnostic purposes.
Implementation Method 1
certain TMS techniques apply a rapidly changing magnetic field to the brain of a patient to induce weak electric currents in the brain of the patient by way of electromagnetic induction
Data Source
AI summary
A transcranial magnetic stimulation device in accordance with embodiments of the present invention comprises a head mount for disposition on a head of a patient and configured with a plurality of attachment points, a plurality of magnetic assembly devices connected to the plurality of attachment points, a given magnetic assembly device equipped with an actuator device to actuate a magnet, is addressable, and configured to receive a control signal addressed to the given magnetic assembly device, and a processor having a memory and configured by program code. The processor is configured to: select one or more treatment protocol units, generate a control signal using at least information contained in the selected treatment protocol units, energize at least one magnetic assembly device over a period of time to cause the magnet to actuate according to the control signal, and monitor the patient response to energizing the at least one magnetic assembly device.