Integrated TMS Coil and EEG Electrode Arrangement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) systems are complex and difficult to handle, leading to long setup times and limited practicality in clinical settings, with pre-programmed stimulation sequences not adaptable to individual brain activity, which can result in ineffective treatment.
Innovation Solution
A coil arrangement with integrated EEG electrodes, allowing for real-time brain activity measurement and dynamic stimulation control, where the magnetic coil and electrode arrangement are positioned one above the other, enabling targeted stimulation based on EEG signals, reducing complexity and setup time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional TMS systems use separate EEG system and coil arrangement, then patient safety monitoring is achieved, but system complexity and setup time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the EEG electrode arrangement with the TMS coil housing into a single integrated unit. The EEG electrodes are arranged on the housing surface in a configuration that allows simultaneous EEG recording and TMS application without requiring separate systems, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining safety monitoring capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing of the TMS coil is designed to serve dual functions: as the structural support for the magnetic coil and as the mounting platform for EEG electrodes. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate EEG equipment and simplifies the overall system architecture.
2Measurement precision
If separate EEG electrodes are attached to scalp and TMS coil is positioned separately, then brain activity monitoring is achieved, but handling difficulty and setup time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The EEG electrodes and TMS coil are merged into a single integrated arrangement where the electrodes are mounted on the coil housing. This allows the operator to position and secure one unit simultaneously performing both EEG recording and TMS stimulation, eliminating the need for separate positioning procedures.
3Stability of the object's composition
If pre-programmed stimulation sequences are used, then treatment protocol consistency is achieved, but adaptability to individual brain activity is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated EEG-TMS system enables real-time feedback where EEG signals are continuously monitored during TMS stimulation. The recorded brain activity can be used to dynamically adjust stimulation parameters, creating adaptive protocols that respond to individual patient brain states while maintaining structured treatment sequences.
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 allows for more effective and targeted TMS by synchronizing stimulation with real-time EEG data, reducing the risk of adverse effects, simplifying handling, and enabling multiple daily treatments with reduced costs and system complexity.
Implementation Method 1
TMS uses electromagnetic induction to induce weak electrical currents in the brain through a rapidly changing magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
an electrode arrangement arranged on the housing for deriving an EEG signal
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to the field of medical technology and in particular to the field of transcranial magnetic stimulation. A coil assembly is presented comprising a housing; a magnetic coil, and an electrode arrangement; wherein the magnetic coil is arranged in the housing and is adapted for generating a magnetic field for transcranial magnetic stimulation, wherein the electrode arrangement is arranged on the housing and adapted for deriving an EEG signal, and wherein the magnetic coil and the electrode arrangement are arranged on top of each other. Further, an electrode arrangement and a system for transcranial magnetic stimulation are provided.