Skull Screw Magnet Assembly for Deep Brain Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current transcranial magnetic stimulation methods, such as rTMS, face challenges in determining the optimal placement of magnets and frequency of pulses for effective treatment of depression and other neurological conditions, with mixed clinical trial results and unknown long-term side effects, while also lacking precision in targeting specific brain areas.
Innovation Solution
An implantable magnet assembly comprising a rod-shaped magnet housed within a skull screw, with a casing containing flat magnets, designed to traverse the skull and deliver a static magnetic field, allowing for customizable magnetic field strength and polarity to target specific brain areas with improved precision and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If rTMS uses electromagnetic pulses to stimulate the brain, then the treatment can be non-invasive and does not require anesthesia, but the magnetic field penetration depth is limited to about two inches and precise targeting of deep brain areas is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the skull into multiple discrete locations where separate magnet assemblies can be implanted. Each assembly targets a specific brain region, allowing precise deep brain stimulation while maintaining the non-invasive nature of the treatment through multiple access points.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from surface-level electromagnetic pulse delivery to three-dimensional deep brain access by implanting magnets at multiple skull locations. This spatial distribution enables targeting of deep brain structures that are inaccessible to conventional rTMS.
2Productivity
If rTMS administers electromagnetic pulses for 30-60 minutes, then the treatment can be completed in a reasonable time frame, but the optimal placement of magnets and frequency of pulses remains uncertain with mixed clinical trial results
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs preliminary positioning of magnets directly on the skull at optimized locations before treatment. This pre-positioning allows for sustained static magnetic field delivery and eliminates the need for repeated pulse administration, improving both treatment reliability and efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces intermittent electromagnetic pulses with continuous static magnetic field delivery through implanted magnets. This continuous action ensures consistent brain stimulation and eliminates variability associated with pulse timing and magnet repositioning.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If rTMS focuses on a specific spot in the brain, then the treatment can reduce side effects compared to electroconvulsive therapy, but the magnetic field strength is comparable to MRI scans and may not be sufficient for deep brain stimulation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses multiple magnet assemblies distributed at different skull locations, each contributing to the overall magnetic field strength. This segmented approach allows accumulation of magnetic field effects at deep brain targets while maintaining focused stimulation to minimize side effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines multiple static magnetic fields from separately implanted magnets to create a cumulative magnetic field effect at deep brain targets. This merging of fields achieves sufficient stimulation strength for deep structures while maintaining the precision and reduced side effects of focused stimulation.
4Manufacturing precision
If implantable magnets are used to deliver static magnetic fields, then precise and sustained brain stimulation can be achieved, but the implantation procedure becomes more complex and requires surgical intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the implantation procedure into separate discrete magnet placements at different skull locations. Each magnet can be implanted independently using standardized techniques, reducing overall procedural complexity compared to a single complex implantation.
Solution Approach 2:
The implanted magnets are permanent and require no external power source, control mechanisms, or adjustment procedures. The magnets self-generate the required static magnetic fields, eliminating the need for complex control systems and reducing long-term management complexity.
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 implantable magnet assembly enables targeted and sustained delivery of a static magnetic field, potentially enhancing cognitive performance and treating various neurological ailments, including depression and brain tumors, with reduced side effects and increased treatment efficacy compared to existing methods.
Implementation Method 1
designed to traverse the skull and deliver a static magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
causes small electrical currents that stimulate nerve cells in the targeted brain region
Data Source
AI summary
A skull-implantable magnet assembly for delivering a static magnetic field to a patient's brain, comprising a rod-shaped magnet housed within a skull screw, removably attached to a casing housing at least one flat magnet, is described. Details of the exterior construction are discussed, as well as magnet arrangements and methods of treating a brain tumor or neurological ailment of a patient.