Circular TMS Coil with Non-Uniform Winding for Deep Brain Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) coils have limited efficacy in stimulating deeper neuronal structures due to high decay of magnetic and electric fields with distance, and existing solutions do not adequately target specific brain regions like the frontal, occipital, parietal, and temporal lobes with minimal side effects.
Innovation Solution
A circular TMS coil design featuring a base portion with parallel stimulating elements that encircle a body part and a return portion with parallel return elements, optimized for depth penetration and electric field intensity, allowing for location-specific stimulation of deep brain regions while minimizing stimulation of superficial areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the intensity of the induced field is greatly increased to stimulate deeper neuronal structures, then the efficacy of deep brain stimulation is improved, but the risk for seizures and physiological damage to tissue increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by designing a coil with non-uniform winding density where the density of windings varies along the length of the coil. Specifically, the winding density is higher at the ends of the coil and lower in the middle section, creating localized regions of different magnetic field intensity. This allows the coil to concentrate sufficient field intensity at deeper brain regions while limiting excessive intensity at superficial regions, thereby improving deep stimulation efficacy without proportionally increasing the risk of seizures and tissue damage.
2Reliability
If conventional TMS coils are used to stimulate superficial brain regions, then the stimulation of cortical areas is effective, but the rate of decay of the induced magnetic and electric field with distance limits deep structure stimulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the geometric parameters of the coil, specifically the winding density distribution along its length. By changing from a uniform winding density to a non-uniform distribution (higher at ends, lower in middle), the coil's magnetic field characteristics are altered to achieve better penetration depth while maintaining superficial stimulation effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the coil into distinct functional sections with different winding densities: end sections with higher density for deep penetration and a middle section with lower density for controlled superficial stimulation. This segmentation allows each part of the coil to optimize its contribution to different depth zones.
3Reliability
If a base and extension portion design is used for deep brain TMS with minimal stimulation of superficial regions, then deep stimulation is achieved, but the coil design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by creating a continuous variation in winding density along the coil length rather than using discrete separate sections. This dynamic gradient approach achieves the deep stimulation with minimal superficial effect while avoiding the abrupt transitions and complex junctions that would result from truly separate base and extension portions.
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
The coil design effectively induces a desired electric field distribution and intensity in deep brain regions, reducing side effects and ensuring neuronal stimulation across a wide population with calibrated motor thresholds, while being energy-efficient and compact.
Implementation Method 1
The pulses are administered by passing high currents by a stimulator through an electromagnetic coil externally placed upon the patient (for example, placed on the scalp for brain treatment), inducing electrical currents in the underlying tissue, thereby producing a localized axonal depolarization.
Data Source
AI summary
A transcranial magnetic stimulation coil which is location-specific for frontal lobe regions, occipital lobe regions, parietal lobe regions, right temporal regions and left temporal regions is designed with multiple spaced apart stimulating elements having current flow in a substantially circular direction, and multiple return elements having current flow in substantially the same circular direction.