TMS Coil Positioning Guide with Measurement Instruments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) treatment methods require repeated measurement of motor threshold position and treatment location before each session, which is time-consuming and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
A head guide support system that includes a support structure and measurement instruments to accurately position and orient a TMS coil, allowing for the recording of critical measurements once and facilitating consistent placement during subsequent treatments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If motor threshold position and treatment location are measured before each TMS session, then treatment accuracy is maintained, but treatment time increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs measurement and marking of the motor threshold position and treatment location during an initial setup session. These measurements are recorded and stored for future use, eliminating the need to repeat them in subsequent treatment sessions. This preliminary action resolves the contradiction by establishing accurate reference points once, then using them repeatedly without time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a physical or digital copy of the measured treatment location and orientation parameters. These copied measurements are stored and reused to guide coil placement in subsequent sessions, maintaining measurement precision while avoiding the time cost of remeasuring. The copy serves as a reusable template for accurate coil positioning.
2Ease of operation
If motor threshold position is determined by manual coil movement and marking, then treatment location is identified, but measurement errors and inconsistency occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical coil movement and visual marking with an automated optical or electromagnetic tracking system. This substitution eliminates human error in positioning and marking, providing consistent and reliable measurements across multiple sessions. The automated system objectively records the motor threshold position and treatment location without subjective variation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor and adjust coil positioning based on pre-established reference points. This feedback loop ensures that the coil is placed accurately at the treatment location by comparing actual position against the stored reference measurements, thereby improving reliability and consistency of treatment delivery.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple TMS coils are used to stimulate multiple locations, then treatment versatility increases, but device complexity and cumbersome nature increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system makes a single TMS coil universal by enabling it to accurately target multiple treatment locations through the use of pre-measured and stored reference points for each location. The coil can be rapidly repositioned to different anatomical sites using the stored measurement data, providing multi-location stimulation capability without requiring multiple specialized coils. This universality resolves the contradiction by achieving versatility through intelligent positioning rather than through multiplication of hardware.
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 system enables precise and consistent placement of the TMS coil, reducing the need for repeated measurements and minimizing the risk of errors, thereby improving the efficiency and effectiveness of TMS treatments.
Implementation Method 1
TMS may use a rapidly changing magnetic field to induce a current on a nerve cell
Implementation Method 2
When a conductive wire loop is passed through a magnetic field or is in the presence of a changing magnetic field, an electric current may be induced in the wire. The same principle may hold true for conductive biological tissue.
Implementation Method 3
a support structure supported by the patient's head; a first instrument configured to indicate a position angle for placement of the TMS coil; a second instrument configured to indicate a distance from the support structure for placement of the TMS coil; and/or a third instrument configured to indicate an orientation angle for rotation of the TMS coil
Data Source
AI summary
A method, system, and apparatus for a head guide support system for use in measuring a transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) treatment coil on a patient's head are described herein. The coil positioning apparatus, also called a coil positioning device or a coil angle guide, may include a support structure supported by the patient's head; a first instrument configured to indicate a position angle for placement of the TMS coil; a second instrument configured to indicate a distance from the support structure for placement of the TMS coil; and/or a third instrument configured to indicate an orientation angle for rotation of the TMS coil.