TMS Navigation Using MRI-Based Magnetic Vector Potential Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) methods lack precision in targeting stimulation points due to variations in human brain structure, making it difficult to achieve optimal magnetic field intensity and effectively deliver electrical stimulation.
Innovation Solution
A TMS stimulation navigation method that involves acquiring spatial distribution information of magnetic vector potentials, calculating optimal coil positions and directions for maximum magnetic field intensity, and simulating electrical stimulation propagation using three-dimensional brain maps generated from MRI images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If TMS stimulation is applied using a fixed coil position and direction, then the procedure is simple to operate, but the magnetic field intensity at the target point is not optimized due to individual brain structure variations
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by acquiring MRI images of the patient's brain and pre-calculating optimal coil positions and orientations before TMS treatment. The navigation system pre-determines the spatial distribution of magnetic vector potentials and identifies the best coil placement to achieve maximum magnetic field intensity at the target point, eliminating the need for gradual manual adjustment during the procedure
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a three-dimensional virtual copy of the patient's brain structure from MRI images. This digital model is used to simulate and calculate the optimal coil position and orientation without requiring physical trial-and-error adjustments. The virtual model allows precise prediction of magnetic field distribution and enables accurate positioning before actual treatment
2Productivity
If the coil position is determined by gradual manual movement, then the device complexity is low, but the time required to achieve optimal stimulation is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the mechanical trial-and-error method of manually moving the coil with a computational approach. A computer calculates the optimal coil position and orientation by processing MRI data and simulating magnetic field distribution. This substitution of mechanical adjustment with computational optimization dramatically reduces the time required to achieve optimal stimulation while improving precision
Solution Approach 2:
The navigation system acts as an intermediary between the coil and the target point. Instead of directly manually positioning the coil, the system uses a computer-based navigation interface that provides real-time guidance on coil placement. This intermediary layer enables rapid and accurate positioning by translating complex magnetic field calculations into simple positional instructions
3Adaptability or versatility
If standard TMS procedure is used without individualized navigation, then the treatment protocol is simple, but it cannot account for variations in individual brain structures
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by customizing the TMS treatment for each patient's specific brain anatomy. Instead of using a universal coil placement protocol, the navigation system processes individual MRI scans to determine the unique optimal position and orientation for each patient. This localized approach ensures that the magnetic field is precisely targeted according to each individual's brain structure
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary customization by acquiring and analyzing each patient's MRI data before treatment begins. The navigation software pre-calculates the individualized optimal coil position and orientation based on the patient's specific brain anatomy, allowing the treatment to be adapted to individual variations without adding complexity during the actual stimulation procedure
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 approach allows for precise targeting of stimulation points, maximizing magnetic field intensity and improving the effectiveness of TMS treatments by accounting for individual brain structures.
Implementation Method 1
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive treatment method for the nervous system, which may treat nervous disease without mediation or invasive treatment. The TMS may apply electrical stimulation to the object using a change in magnetic field.
Implementation Method 2
A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system is a device which expresses an intensity of a magnetic resonance (MR) signal for a radio frequency (RF) signal generated by a magnetic field of a specific intensity in contrast to acquire an image for a tomographic portion of an object.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) stimulation navigation method comprising the steps of: acquiring a stimulation target point in the brain of a subject to which an electrical stimulus is to be applied; acquiring data on the spatial distribution of a magnetic vector potential of a coil for a TMS procedure; acquiring, from the spatial distribution, at least one parameter for acquiring an optimal stimulation condition for the stimulation target point; and by using the acquired parameter, calculating a position and direction of the coil satisfying the optimal stimulation condition for the stimulation target point.