Head-Relative Coil Positioning With Feedback for TMS Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for positioning transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) coils and radiation therapy devices relative to the head lack accuracy and reliability, leading to suboptimal treatment outcomes due to manual placement errors and difficulty in maintaining precise orientation over time.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method utilizing receivers and processing cores to determine the position of devices relative to the head, comparing it to a maximal induced electric field position, and transmitting signals to display deviations, enabling precise alignment and orientation for optimal electric field strength without affecting the target location inside the head.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual placement technique is used to position TMS coil, then ease of operation is improved, but positioning precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides real-time feedback to the operator by displaying the current position and orientation of the TMS coil relative to the target location. The processor continuously monitors position signals and compares them against the optimal position, providing visual feedback through the display device to guide the operator in achieving accurate positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning with an automated positioning system using receivers, processors, and display devices. The system automatically determines position and orientation through signal processing and visual feedback mechanisms, eliminating reliance on manual skill and experience for precise positioning.
2Device complexity
If manual placement technique is used to position TMS coil, then device complexity is reduced, but positioning precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides real-time feedback to the operator by displaying the current position and orientation of the TMS coil relative to the target location. The processor continuously monitors position signals and compares them against the optimal position, providing visual feedback through the display device to guide the operator in achieving accurate positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate components including receivers for detecting position signals, processors for calculating and comparing positions, and display devices for visual feedback. These intermediary elements mediate between the simple manual placement action and the requirement for precise positioning, enabling accuracy without complex manual manipulation.
3Reliability
If device is moved to maximize induced electric field strength, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but positioning stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides real-time feedback to the operator by displaying the current position and orientation of the TMS coil relative to the target location. The processor continuously monitors position signals and compares them against the optimal position, providing visual feedback through the display device to guide the operator in achieving accurate positioning.
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
Improves the accuracy and efficiency of TMS and radiation therapy by providing real-time feedback for precise device placement, ensuring a stronger induced electric field with reduced operator fatigue and increased consistency across treatment sessions.
Implementation Method 1
the device being capable of inducing an electric field in the head, a location in the head where the electric field is induced depending on a place and orientation where the device is
Data Source
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AI summary
According to an example embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus comprising at least one receiver configured to receive signals relating to a position of a device relative to a head, at least one processing core configured to determine, at least in part based on the received signals, the position of the device relative to the head, to compare the position of the device relative to the head to information concerning a position corresponding to a maximal induced electric field, and to cause signals to be transmitted, and wherein the transmitted signals are configured to cause a display to indicate a deviation of the position of the device from the position corresponding to the maximal induced electric field