TMS Coil Array for Deep Brain Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) methods struggle to effectively stimulate deep brain regions without overstimulating superficial areas, leading to pain and discomfort, as they lack the ability to focus magnetic fields deeply within the brain.
Innovation Solution
The use of a primary TMS electromagnet combined with one or more secondary TMS electromagnets, arranged and configured to shape the magnetic flux, allowing for deeper penetration and reduced stimulation of non-target regions by adjusting the power and polarity of the secondary electromagnets relative to the primary one.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the power of the stimulating electromagnet is increased to reach deeper brain regions, then the depth of stimulation is improved, but the superficial cortex becomes over-stimulated causing pain and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The single electromagnet is divided into multiple electromagnets (primary and secondary coils) that can be independently controlled. The primary electromagnet delivers the main stimulation current to deep brain targets, while secondary electromagnets are activated in opposition to cancel out magnetic field components that would otherwise over-stimulate superficial cortical regions.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the brain are given different stimulation qualities through spatially selective magnetic field control. The primary electromagnet provides strong stimulation to deep targets, while the secondary electromagnets provide compensatory opposite-polarity fields specifically at superficial locations to reduce stimulation there, creating non-uniform but optimized local stimulation patterns.
2Volume of moving object
If a single standard TMS coil is used to stimulate deep brain regions, then the device complexity is low, but the magnetic field cannot be focused sufficiently at depth
Solution Approach 1:
The single electromagnet is divided into multiple electromagnets (primary and secondary coils) that can be independently controlled. The primary electromagnet delivers the main stimulation current to deep brain targets, while secondary electromagnets are activated in opposition to cancel out magnetic field components that would otherwise over-stimulate superficial cortical regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary electromagnets act as intermediary elements that modify the magnetic field generated by the primary electromagnet. By placing electromagnets at specific locations and activating them with opposite polarity, the system uses these intermediaries to shape and focus the magnetic field at deep targets while reducing unwanted superficial effects.
3Volume of moving object
If conventional TMS approaches are used to stimulate deep structures, then the ease of operation is maintained, but deeper brain regions are not directly accessible for modulation
Solution Approach 1:
The single electromagnet is divided into multiple electromagnets (primary and secondary coils) that can be independently controlled. The primary electromagnet delivers the main stimulation current to deep brain targets, while secondary electromagnets are activated in opposition to cancel out magnetic field components that would otherwise over-stimulate superficial cortical regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds a new dimension of control by introducing multiple independently controllable electromagnets with adjustable polarities and intensities. This multi-dimensional control space allows precise shaping of the magnetic field to reach deep targets while avoiding superficial over-stimulation, transforming a simple on/off operation into a multi-parameter optimization system.
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 configuration enhances the focus and depth of the magnetic field, enabling more precise stimulation of deep brain targets while minimizing discomfort and overstimulation of superficial areas, potentially improving treatment outcomes for conditions like depression and chronic pain.
Implementation Method 1
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is typically delivered using an electromagnet positioned at the side of the head
Implementation Method 2
The secondary TMS electromagnet(s) may focus the primary TMS electromagnet by emitting a magnetic field that is concurrent with the magnetic field emitted by the primary TMS electromagnet
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are Transcranial Magnetic Simulation (TMS) systems and methods of using them for emitting focused, or shaped, magnetic fields for TMS. In particular, described herein are arrays of TMS electromagnets comprising at least one primary (e.g., central) TMS electromagnet and a plurality of secondary (e.g., lateral or surrounding) TMS electromagnets. The secondary TMS electromagnets are arranged around the primary TMS electromagnet(s), and are typically configured to be synchronously fired with the primary TMS electromagnets. Secondary TMS electromagnets may be fired at a fraction of the power used to energize the primary TMS electromagnet to shape the resulting magnetic field. The secondary TMS electromagnets may be stimulated at opposite polarity to the primary TMS electromagnet(s). Focusing in this manner may prevent or reduce stimulation of adjacent non-target brain regions.