TMS Coil Alignment Apparatus with Contact Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) coil placement methods in clinical practice are prone to errors due to lack of objective feedback, leading to variability in coil positioning and suboptimal therapeutic response, especially since visual approximation does not provide confirmation of proper coil placement or contact with the target area.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a transcranial magnetic stimulation coil featuring an array of electrical contacts, range sensors, and orientation sensors that provide continuous feedback on coil placement and orientation, using a display to show the location and distance of the coil relative to the target, and a wireless transmitter for remote monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If visual approximation is used for TMS coil placement, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision and reliability of coil placement deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback system using optical trackers that continuously monitor coil position and orientation, providing real-time visual feedback to the operator through a display system. This allows operators to see precise coil placement information without increasing operational complexity, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical tracking system that mediates between the physical coil and the digital imaging system. This intermediary layer captures precise spatial information and translates it into visual feedback, enabling accurate measurement without requiring direct complex measurement instrumentation at the coil site.
2Measurement precision
If neuronavigation systems with multiple cameras and optical trackers are used, then measurement precision and reliability of coil placement are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing optical tracking infrastructure multi-functional by using it for both its original purpose and for TMS coil placement monitoring. This universal use of the tracking system provides precise measurement capabilities without requiring a separate dedicated system, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the existing optical tracking infrastructure to serve itself - the same cameras and trackers that monitor patient head position also monitor coil placement. This self-service approach eliminates the need for additional specialized equipment, reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
3Reliability
If the coil is placed tangentially to the scalp for optimal cortical stimulation, then therapeutic efficacy is improved, but ease of operation and placement accuracy deteriorate due to lack of visual feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides real-time visual feedback that displays the coil's angular orientation relative to the scalp surface, enabling operators to achieve and maintain the required tangential placement. This feedback mechanism makes precise angular positioning intuitive and easy to execute, resolving the contradiction between clinical efficacy and ease of operation.
4Reliability
If continuous feedback on coil positioning is provided during treatment, then reliability and clinical efficacy are improved, but device complexity and use of energy increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous monitoring by having the optical tracking system perform multiple functions simultaneously - tracking patient head position, monitoring coil placement, and providing real-time feedback. This multi-functionality enables continuous reliability monitoring without requiring separate dedicated monitoring equipment, thereby limiting the increase in device 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
This solution ensures accurate and consistent coil placement, reducing errors and improving clinical efficacy by providing real-time feedback on the coil's position and orientation relative to the target, enhancing the reliability of TMS treatments.
Implementation Method 1
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a brain stimulation methodology that uses high intensity pulsed magnetic fields via an electromagnetic coil
Implementation Method 2
the figure-eight configuration allows for more focused stimulation of the underlying cortex, with intensity of stimulation being strongest directly under the center of the coil and projecting perpendicularly to the plane of the coil
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus comprises a transcranial magnetic stimulation coil having a central axis and an array of electrical contacts. The array of electrical contacts can be configured to contact a conductor on a target area of a target surface. Processing circuitry can be configured to detect an engagement between the conductor and at least two electrical contacts of the array of electrical contacts. A plurality of range sensors can be spaced from the central axis of the transcranial magnetic simulation coil. A display can be configured to display a location corresponding to the engagement between the conductor and the at least two electrical contacts, a distance between each range sensor and the target surface, and a rotation of a coil with respect to a reference angle.