Integrated TMS Coil with Optical Fiber Probes and Liquid Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) devices face challenges in detecting therapeutic effects in real-time due to interference between optical fiber probes and the TMS coil, inadequate heat dissipation, and the need for expensive imaging systems, which limits the adjustment of stimulation parameters and reduces therapeutic effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
An integrated TMS coil design featuring optical fiber probes mounted on the coil housing with a silica gel sheet for secure positioning, a cooling liquid circulation system within a hollow copper tube, and a near-infrared brain function imager for real-time effect detection, allowing for simultaneous and independent operation of the detection and treatment regions without interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical fiber probes are mounted on the TMS coil for real-time detection, then therapeutic effect detection capability is improved, but interference between probes and coil structure occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into independent functional modules: the TMS coil assembly and the optical fiber probe assembly are separated but integrated through the coil housing. The probes are mounted on the housing rather than directly on the coil windings, allowing independent optimization of each component while maintaining their functional relationship for simultaneous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The coil housing serves as an intermediary structure that holds both the TMS coil and the optical fiber probes. This mediator component allows the probes and coil to coexist without direct interference, providing mechanical support and spatial organization while enabling their functions to work together harmoniously.
2Measurement precision
If conventional expensive imaging systems are used for detection, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using complex expensive imaging systems like fMRI or PET, the invention employs near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) with optical fiber probes that detect brain function through light absorption and scattering properties. This optical copying method provides sufficient measurement accuracy for brain oxygenation and blood flow changes while being significantly simpler and more cost-effective than conventional imaging systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical fiber probe system uses inexpensive optical components and can be easily replaced or reconfigured. The probes are relatively simple in construction compared to expensive imaging systems, allowing for cost-effective real-time monitoring without requiring complex infrastructure or expensive equipment maintenance.
3Power
If TMS coil operates at high power for effective treatment, then therapeutic effect is improved, but heat generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention incorporates a liquid cooling system where coolant flows through channels in the coil housing or coil structure. This hydraulic cooling method efficiently removes heat generated during high-power TMS operation, allowing the coil to operate at therapeutic power levels without excessive temperature rise that would damage components or discomfort the patient.
4Area of stationary object
If multiple probes are arranged on the coil housing, then detection coverage is improved, but probe positioning and stability become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The coil housing is designed with asymmetric or specifically positioned mounting locations for optical fiber probes that correspond to the anatomical layout of the brain regions being monitored. Rather than symmetric distribution, the probe positions are strategically placed to cover critical brain areas, with each probe location optimized for its specific detection function while maintaining stable mechanical mounting.
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
Enables real-time detection of therapeutic effects, adjusts stimulation parameters for optimal outcomes, improves heat dissipation, and reduces the device's volume while maintaining effective treatment and testing accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
TMS uses a pulsed transient magnetic field to pass through the skull without hindrance and pain, and induces currents in the skull to stimulate the cerebral cortical nerves
Implementation Method 2
a cooling liquid circulation system within a hollow copper tube
Implementation Method 3
A miniature near-infrared brain function testing device uses a processor to respectively set the transmitting and receiving frequencies of near-infrared rays having wavelengths of 690 nm and 830 nm
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) coil for brain function testing and treatment is provided. The coil includes a coil housing. A figure-eight coil is provided inside the coil housing, and the coil housing is provided with two waist-like bosses for limiting a position of the coil, eight mounting holes are formed on the coil housing, and an optical fiber holder is provided in each of the mounting holes for mounting an optical fiber probe, a silica gel sheet is provided inside the coil housing for limiting movement of the optical fiber holders, a lead-out of the coil passes through the bottom of the coil housing and is connected to a TMS instrument, and a signal end of the optical fiber probe is connected to a near-infrared brain function imager.