TMS Pulse Parameter Control via Multi-Coil Switching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) devices lack the ability to control and vary electric field pulse parameters effectively, limiting their flexibility and specificity in neuronal activation, particularly for different body organs or regions.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising multiple electromagnetic stimulating coils with controllable fast switches and energy storage devices, allowing for precise control of pulse parameters such as pulse shape, polarity, and timing, enabling varied physiological effects in neuronal structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional TMS devices use a single capacitor and single fast switch with fixed pulse parameters, then the device structure is simple, but the ability to control and vary electric field pulse parameters is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of pulse parameters by using multiple fast switches that can be independently controlled to vary pulse width, polarity, and shape. The system transitions from fixed parameters to adjustable parameters, allowing the pulse characteristics to be dynamically modified based on treatment requirements while maintaining a relatively compact device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes physical parameters of the pulse signal by using variable resistance elements and controlled switching timing to adjust pulse width, amplitude, and shape. This allows different pulse parameters to be generated without requiring completely different circuit configurations, thereby improving adaptability while managing complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional TMS devices use monophasic or biphasic sinusoidal pulses determined by fixed circuit parameters, then the circuit design is simple, but the flexibility to induce different pulse shapes in different body organs is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pulse generation process into multiple controllable phases using separate fast switches for different pulse components. This allows independent control of each pulse phase, enabling the induction of different pulse shapes (monophasic, biphasic, triphasic) and waveforms (sinusoidal, rectangular, triangular) by selectively activating different switch combinations, thereby achieving organ-specific pulse customization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves multi-functionality by using a single set of circuit components that can generate multiple pulse types through controlled switching. The same capacitor and coil system can produce different pulse shapes and parameters by varying switch timing and configuration, eliminating the need for separate dedicated circuits for each pulse type and reducing overall device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional TMS devices use a single stimulating coil, then the device structure is simple, but the ability to apply different pulse parameters to different body organs or regions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the stimulation system into multiple independently controllable coil channels, each capable of receiving different pulse parameters. This segmentation allows selective stimulation of different body organs or regions by activating specific coils with appropriate pulse characteristics, achieving targeted treatment without requiring a completely separate system for each organ.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic coil selection and parameter adjustment, allowing the pulse parameters to be adaptively modified based on the target organ or region. The controller can dynamically assign different pulse types, widths, and amplitudes to different coils based on real-time treatment requirements, providing flexibility while maintaining a unified device architecture.
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 enhances the specificity and flexibility of TMS, allowing for targeted neuronal activation and potential improvements in clinical applications by adjusting pulse parameters to suit different brain regions or conditions.
Implementation Method 1
passing high currents by a stimulator through an electromagnetic coil externally placed upon the patient (for example, placed on the scalp for brain treatment), inducing electrical currents in the underlying tissue, thereby producing a localized axonal depolarization
Data Source
AI summary
A system and methods for controlling pulse parameters during transcranial magnetic stimulation are provided. Multiple coils are placed on external body parts, and are controlled using an external control unit coupled to a stimulator having fast switches. The timing of the switches, as well as other parameters within the stimulator, determine the pulse parameters, such as pulse shape. The variety of pulse shapes obtainable using such a system and methods provides controlled physiologic effects within an internal body organ.