TMS Sensor Probe for Transient Electric Field Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current TMS devices face challenges in providing deeper brain stimulation with focused pulse power and maintaining precision due to field divergence at longer operational distances, necessitating improved measurement tools for detecting and calibrating TMS-induced electrical fields.
Innovation Solution
Development of TMS sensor probes equipped with field detectors and processors to measure and display TMS-induced electrical fields, including resistor, coil inductor, and directional electrical field probes, which connect to power sources or processors to provide human-readable depictions of the measured fields, enabling calibration and verification of TMS devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If TMS devices operate at longer distances to reach deeper brain regions, then stimulation depth is improved, but field divergence increases causing loss of focusing precision and intensity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs sensor probes with field detectors to measure the actual TMS-induced electrical field characteristics in real-time. The measured data (voltage, current, field intensity) is fed back to a processor that compares it against target parameters, enabling automatic adjustment of the TMS device settings to maintain optimal focusing precision and intensity at deeper brain regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical trial-and-error calibration methods with electronic field detection and processing. Sensor probes electronically measure field characteristics, and a processor automatically calculates and adjusts parameters, substituting manual mechanical adjustment with automated electronic control system.
2Power
If new TMS devices are developed with higher pulse power for deeper stimulation, then stimulation intensity is improved, but extensive testing and calibration time is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements calibration phantoms that replicate human tissue electrical properties, allowing TMS devices to be pre-calibrated in controlled conditions before clinical use. The sensor probes measure field characteristics in these phantom models, enabling preliminary optimization of pulse power and focusing parameters without requiring extensive in-vivo testing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses calibration phantoms as simplified copies of human brain tissue with known electrical properties. These phantom models replicate the electromagnetic field interaction characteristics of actual brain tissue, allowing accurate pre-testing and calibration of high-power TMS devices without the risks and time constraints of direct human testing.
3Measurement precision
If TMS devices require regular calibration to maintain precision, then treatment accuracy is improved, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-calibrating TMS systems where sensor probes automatically measure field characteristics during routine operation. The integrated processor continuously monitors field parameters and performs automatic adjustments without requiring external calibration equipment or specialized technician intervention, enabling the device to maintain precision through self-service calibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates multiple functions into the sensor probe system: field detection, data acquisition, signal processing, and calibration execution. The same sensor probe and processor used for measuring field characteristics during treatment also perform calibration functions, eliminating the need for separate calibration equipment and reducing overall system complexity.
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
These probes effectively measure and display TMS-induced electrical fields, allowing for precise calibration and maintenance of TMS devices, enhancing their focusing capabilities and intensity, thereby improving the effectiveness of TMS treatments.
Implementation Method 1
a coil inductor probe having an electrical wire having a first portion, a second portion, and a coil between the first portion and the second portion... configured to detect a change in voltage across the second coil
Implementation Method 2
TMS is a noninvasive method that uses a weak transient magnetic field-induced current to stimulate regions of the brain. The magnetic pulse created by a magnetic field generator easily passes through the skull and induces small electrical currents
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are systems, devices and methods for detecting and measuring TMS-induced electrical fields. In accordance with certain aspects of an embodiment of the invention, a TMS sensor probe is provided having a field detector, a first electrical connection connecting the field detector to either a power source or a processor, and a second electrical connection connecting the field detector to a processor. The field detector is configured to measure a characteristic of a TMS-induced electrical field at the location of the field detector, and the processor is configured to receive the measured characteristic of the induced electrical fields and display a human-readable depiction of a calculated induced electrical field. A system using such a sensor probe to calibrate a TMS-induced electrical field is also provided, including the foregoing sensor probe, and a magnetic field generator.