Deep field penetration in transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) via magnetic flux concentrator and strategic excitation coil placement

INV-14084

Background

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a method for noninvasive, non-contact stimulation of neurons in the brain by magnetic induction of electrical currents. The TMS devices currently available on the market provide superficial stimulation due to the rapid attenuation of the field. Deeper penetration can only be achieved using strong excitation currents that produce a large induced fields on the scalp, which result in uncomfortable procedures for the patient and painful muscle contractions. The proposed technology enables deep penetration to any section of the brain, down to 7.00 cm depth without over-exciting the surface of the scalp.

Technology Overview

The invention consists of a novel brain stimulation device that enables deep penetration of the Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) induced electric field using a magnetic field on focusing lens combined with strategic placement of multiple excitation coils.

The proposed setup is specifically designed to reconfigure the magnetic field pattern in order to get maximum induced field convergence, which is in favor of providing optimal penetration into the deep brain regions.

The design is based on the discharge of an intense time pulsed current (~ 6-10 kA) through a large figure eight coil (~ 9x15 cm) located by an operator in close proximity to the patient’s head. As a result of the time-varying current, a variable magnetic field is induced, with values between 1.5 T and 2.0 T(tesla).

Changing magnetic flux due to the transient current flow, this induces an electric field in the targeted brain regions, thus, altering the neuronal activity in the stimulation area.

TMS produces induced electric fields at 1.5 cm - 3.0 cm depth from the skull; these fields are of the order of 150 - 200 V/m (volt per meter).

Benefits

- This technology can perform more than 7.0 cm depth of deep penetration in the brain

- A novel magnetic field concentrator that converges the field in any desired direction in order to get optimal penetration depth

Applications

- Neurological and mental health fields

- Treatment of psychiatric disorders

Opportunity

- License

- Partnering

- Research Collaboration