Controllable Pulse Parameter TMS System for Rectangular Electric Field Pulses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) systems are limited in their ability to induce electric field pulses with adjustable parameters such as pulse width, degree of bidirectionality, and power efficiency, as they can only produce damped cosine pulses with a limited set of discrete choices, leading to suboptimal therapeutic and research applications.
Innovation Solution
A controllable pulse parameter TMS system that uses electrical energy storage devices and switching means to generate approximately rectangular electric field pulses with adjustable parameters, including amplitude, pulse width, and degree of bidirectionality, by switching between positive and negative voltage capacitors to produce current pulses in a stimulating coil, thereby inducing magnetic field pulses with improved control over pulse characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing TMS systems use damped cosine pulse shapes with limited discrete choices, then the system structure remains simple, but the adaptability of pulse parameters is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts pulse parameters (amplitude, pulse width, degree of bidirectionality) in real-time through a controller that modulates the stimulating current waveform, transitioning from static discrete pulse shapes to dynamic continuously adjustable parameters
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental parameters of the TMS system by enabling continuous adjustment of amplitude, pulse width, and bidirectionality degree through variable current sources and waveform generators, expanding the parameter space from fixed discrete values to continuous ranges
2Loss of energy
If monophasic magnetic field pulse shapes are used in existing TMS systems, then the pulse waveform is simplified, but power efficiency deteriorates significantly in rTMS applications
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic biphasic or multiphasic pulse waveforms where the current reverses direction in a controlled manner, creating alternating positive and negative phases that improve power efficiency by reducing net magnetic field accumulation and enabling higher repetition frequencies
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces asymmetric pulse waveforms where the positive and negative phases have different durations or amplitudes, allowing optimization of power efficiency while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness through non-symmetric current profiles
3Measurement precision
If existing TMS systems use fixed pulse width and bidirectionality settings, then the control mechanism remains simple, but the precision of neural stimulation is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the controller monitors the induced electric field characteristics and adjusts pulse parameters in real-time to achieve precise neural stimulation targets, using sensors and control algorithms to maintain desired stimulation precision
Solution Approach 2:
The control mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions: generating various pulse waveforms, adjusting multiple parameters simultaneously, and adapting to different stimulation protocols, making the system universally applicable to diverse neural stimulation requirements
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 control over TMS pulse parameters, enhancing therapeutic interventions and research capabilities by allowing for adjustable pulse widths, bidirectionality, and increased power efficiency, facilitating high-frequency repetitive TMS with predominantly unipolar electric fields, which can lead to more effective neuromodulation and reduced power dissipation.
Implementation Method 1
a switching means for electrically coupling said electrical energy storage device to said stimulating coil to produce current pulses in said stimulating coil which generates, in response to the current pulses, magnetic field pulses
Implementation Method 2
magnetic field pulses that can induce approximately rectangular electric field pulses in the body organ
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for providing controllable pulse parameter magnetic stimulation are described. One aspect is directed to a magnetic stimulation system for inducing approximately rectangular electric field pulses in a body organ, comprising an electrical energy storage device, a stimulating coil, and a switching means for electrically coupling said electrical energy storage device to said stimulating coil to produce current pulses in said stimulating coil which generates, in response to the current pulses, magnetic field pulses that can induce approximately rectangular electric field pulses in the body organ.