CA2206054C - Magnetic nerve stimulator for exciting peripheral nerves - Google Patents
Magnetic nerve stimulator for exciting peripheral nerves Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2206054C CA2206054C CA002206054A CA2206054A CA2206054C CA 2206054 C CA2206054 C CA 2206054C CA 002206054 A CA002206054 A CA 002206054A CA 2206054 A CA2206054 A CA 2206054A CA 2206054 C CA2206054 C CA 2206054C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- stimulator
- core
- coil
- magnetic
- nerve stimulator
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
- 210000005036 nerve Anatomy 0.000 title claims abstract description 53
- 210000000578 peripheral nerve Anatomy 0.000 title description 5
- 210000003205 muscle Anatomy 0.000 claims abstract description 26
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 22
- 229910052720 vanadium Inorganic materials 0.000 claims abstract description 11
- LEONUFNNVUYDNQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N vanadium atom Chemical compound [V] LEONUFNNVUYDNQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 11
- 239000003990 capacitor Substances 0.000 claims description 22
- 210000001015 abdomen Anatomy 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000012141 concentrate Substances 0.000 claims 1
- 229920006334 epoxy coating Polymers 0.000 claims 1
- 230000000638 stimulation Effects 0.000 abstract description 29
- 230000005284 excitation Effects 0.000 abstract description 15
- 238000004804 winding Methods 0.000 abstract description 14
- 238000011282 treatment Methods 0.000 abstract description 6
- 206010021639 Incontinence Diseases 0.000 abstract description 5
- 230000004580 weight loss Effects 0.000 abstract description 4
- 210000003815 abdominal wall Anatomy 0.000 abstract description 2
- 230000037323 metabolic rate Effects 0.000 abstract 1
- 210000002414 leg Anatomy 0.000 description 13
- 230000004907 flux Effects 0.000 description 7
- 239000004593 Epoxy Substances 0.000 description 6
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000002253 acid Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 3
- 210000004556 brain Anatomy 0.000 description 3
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 3
- 150000002500 ions Chemical class 0.000 description 3
- 238000003475 lamination Methods 0.000 description 3
- 210000002569 neuron Anatomy 0.000 description 3
- 210000001428 peripheral nervous system Anatomy 0.000 description 3
- 210000001519 tissue Anatomy 0.000 description 3
- 208000016261 weight loss Diseases 0.000 description 3
- 210000003489 abdominal muscle Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- FPIPGXGPPPQFEQ-OVSJKPMPSA-N all-trans-retinol Chemical compound OC\C=C(/C)\C=C\C=C(/C)\C=C\C1=C(C)CCCC1(C)C FPIPGXGPPPQFEQ-OVSJKPMPSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 210000003169 central nervous system Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 230000009977 dual effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000005684 electric field Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000010304 firing Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000000499 gel Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000002955 isolation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000007774 longterm Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 210000000337 motor cortex Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 230000002441 reversible effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000004936 stimulating effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000001960 triggered effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 208000002874 Acne Vulgaris Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 241000896693 Disa Species 0.000 description 1
- 101100018928 Drosophila melanogaster InR gene Proteins 0.000 description 1
- 240000006890 Erythroxylum coca Species 0.000 description 1
- 241000282326 Felis catus Species 0.000 description 1
- KEMCRVSPPRNENL-UHFFFAOYSA-N Methitural Chemical compound CCCC(C)C1(CCSC)C(=O)NC(=S)NC1=O KEMCRVSPPRNENL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 101100341791 Mus musculus Kat2b gene Proteins 0.000 description 1
- XUIMIQQOPSSXEZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Silicon Chemical compound [Si] XUIMIQQOPSSXEZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 206010040880 Skin irritation Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 206010000496 acne Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000011717 all-trans-retinol Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000019169 all-trans-retinol Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000000956 alloy Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910045601 alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000003139 buffering effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 244000309466 calf Species 0.000 description 1
- 210000004027 cell Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 235000008957 cocaer Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- ZPUCINDJVBIVPJ-LJISPDSOSA-N cocaine Chemical compound O([C@H]1C[C@@H]2CC[C@@H](N2C)[C@H]1C(=O)OC)C(=O)C1=CC=CC=C1 ZPUCINDJVBIVPJ-LJISPDSOSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000032798 delamination Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007598 dipping method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229940096118 ella Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 230000000763 evoking effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000007717 exclusion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005187 foaming Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000000338 in vitro Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001939 inductive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 206010022000 influenza Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 1
- 210000001617 median nerve Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 239000012528 membrane Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229950008237 methitural Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 230000003647 oxidation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007254 oxidation reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000035515 penetration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000035699 permeability Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000035479 physiological effects, processes and functions Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000036647 reaction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000007115 recruitment Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000009467 reduction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910052710 silicon Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010703 silicon Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000036556 skin irritation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 231100000475 skin irritation Toxicity 0.000 description 1
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 1
- OOLLAFOLCSJHRE-ZHAKMVSLSA-N ulipristal acetate Chemical compound C1=CC(N(C)C)=CC=C1[C@@H]1C2=C3CCC(=O)C=C3CC[C@H]2[C@H](CC[C@]2(OC(C)=O)C(C)=O)[C@]2(C)C1 OOLLAFOLCSJHRE-ZHAKMVSLSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 210000000689 upper leg Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 150000003681 vanadium Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 238000004260 weight control Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000037221 weight management Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002023 wood Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
- A61N2/00—Magnetotherapy
- A61N2/004—Magnetotherapy specially adapted for a specific therapy
- A61N2/006—Magnetotherapy specially adapted for a specific therapy for magnetic stimulation of nerve tissue
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
- A61N2/00—Magnetotherapy
- A61N2/02—Magnetotherapy using magnetic fields produced by coils, including single turn loops or electromagnets
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Biomedical Technology (AREA)
- Nuclear Medicine, Radiotherapy & Molecular Imaging (AREA)
- Radiology & Medical Imaging (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Neurology (AREA)
- Magnetic Treatment Devices (AREA)
Abstract
A magnetic nerve stimulator system is comprised of a core of highly saturable material with a coil winding. A
thyrister capacitive discharge circuit pulses the device. A
rapidly changing magnetic field is guided by the core, preferably vanadium permendur. For task specific excitation of various nerve groups, specially constructed cores allow for excitation of nerves at deeper levels with higher efficiency than is possible with an air core stimulator.
Among the applications possible with this invention are treatment of incontinence, rehabilitation of large muscle groups in the leg and arm, and excitation of abdominal wall muscle groups to aid in weight loss and metabolic rate increase. A C-shape is employed for focussing the stimulation as desired.
thyrister capacitive discharge circuit pulses the device. A
rapidly changing magnetic field is guided by the core, preferably vanadium permendur. For task specific excitation of various nerve groups, specially constructed cores allow for excitation of nerves at deeper levels with higher efficiency than is possible with an air core stimulator.
Among the applications possible with this invention are treatment of incontinence, rehabilitation of large muscle groups in the leg and arm, and excitation of abdominal wall muscle groups to aid in weight loss and metabolic rate increase. A C-shape is employed for focussing the stimulation as desired.
Description
MAGNETIC NERVE STIMULATOR POOR EXCITING PERIPHERAL
NERVES
BACHGROUND OF THE IIWENTION AND DESCRIPTION OF TSE
PRIOR ART
A nerve cell can be exdted in a number of ways, but acne direct method is to increase the elecxrical charge within the nerve, thus increasing the mernb:enc potential inside the nerve with re~od to the stamunding extsacellular fluid.
One class of devices that falls un~ the umbd~ella of Functional Elocttical Stimulation (FES) realizes the excitation of the nerves by diraxly injecxing charges into the nerves via elec~oda which are either placed oa the skin or in view ne~ct to the nerve group of itrterest. Tlu eloctric fields necessary for_the charge transfa are simply imp~ed via the wires of the electrodes.
PES is accomplished through a mechanism which involves a half-cell rmcxion. Electz~s flow in wires and ions flow is the body. At the electro-electrolytic ir~taface, a half-ceU reaction oocrus to accomplish the elecaun ion interchange. Unless this half-cell reaction is maintained in the reversible regime, naxosis will result - partiaUy because of the oxidation of the half-cull reaction and partially because of the chemical imbalance accompanied by it.
The advantage of FES is that the stimulation can usually be accarnplished from ext:emely small elaxmdes with very modest current and voltage levels. The disadvantage however, is that it involves half-<xll reactions. Most rehabilitation progcan~s using FES place the electrodes directly on the skin. A conductive gel or buffering solution must be in place between the electrodes and the skin surface.
Long term excitation of nerve or muscle tissue is often aoconnpanied by skin irritation due to the current corroaitration at the elecxrode/skin interface.
This problem is especially aggmvaed when >arga w~cimtioa levels an required far more complete stimulation or recruitment of the nave group.
By oon~st, magaaic stimulation realizes the electric fields necessary for the charge tnmsfer by i~nduc~on.. Rapidly c~mging magnetic fields induce elearic fields in the biological tisane; when properly fed, and when the proper magnitude is achieved, the magnetically induced electric field accomplishes the same result as realized by FES, that of transferring ct~srge directly into the nerve to be excitod. When tire lac~lized membrane potential inside the nerve rises with respect to its no~a~al negative ambient level of approximately -90 millivolts (this level being sensitive to the type of nave and local pH of the surrounding tissue), the nerve "fires.' The present invention is Ggpecislly targeted at applications that are not suited for the use of implanted electrode. The invention is preferred for use in those situations where stimulation can be achieved noninvasively. In those appUwhich include incontinence and rehabilitati~ of muscle as well as potential weight loss treatment, the excitation levels using I?ES
often fall ontsi~ of what might be considered comfortable limits. That is, the electrical current that ideally would be in~,cted through the skin to excite the muscle of interest often leads to some skin imitation with time. Even in applications where this is not the case, the mandatory use of gels and direct electtode/skin placdnent is inconvenient and is often resisted by the patiera.
Magnetic excitation, on the other hand, has the attractive feature of not rewiring electrode skin contact. Thus, stimulation can be achieved through the clothing that is being worn. This overcomes the objaxion of inconvenience and pr~rvation of a patient's dignity. Secondly, because there is no direrx contact, stranger excitation levels can be realized without undue additional skin ittitati~.
NERVES
BACHGROUND OF THE IIWENTION AND DESCRIPTION OF TSE
PRIOR ART
A nerve cell can be exdted in a number of ways, but acne direct method is to increase the elecxrical charge within the nerve, thus increasing the mernb:enc potential inside the nerve with re~od to the stamunding extsacellular fluid.
One class of devices that falls un~ the umbd~ella of Functional Elocttical Stimulation (FES) realizes the excitation of the nerves by diraxly injecxing charges into the nerves via elec~oda which are either placed oa the skin or in view ne~ct to the nerve group of itrterest. Tlu eloctric fields necessary for_the charge transfa are simply imp~ed via the wires of the electrodes.
PES is accomplished through a mechanism which involves a half-cell rmcxion. Electz~s flow in wires and ions flow is the body. At the electro-electrolytic ir~taface, a half-ceU reaction oocrus to accomplish the elecaun ion interchange. Unless this half-cell reaction is maintained in the reversible regime, naxosis will result - partiaUy because of the oxidation of the half-cull reaction and partially because of the chemical imbalance accompanied by it.
The advantage of FES is that the stimulation can usually be accarnplished from ext:emely small elaxmdes with very modest current and voltage levels. The disadvantage however, is that it involves half-<xll reactions. Most rehabilitation progcan~s using FES place the electrodes directly on the skin. A conductive gel or buffering solution must be in place between the electrodes and the skin surface.
Long term excitation of nerve or muscle tissue is often aoconnpanied by skin irritation due to the current corroaitration at the elecxrode/skin interface.
This problem is especially aggmvaed when >arga w~cimtioa levels an required far more complete stimulation or recruitment of the nave group.
By oon~st, magaaic stimulation realizes the electric fields necessary for the charge tnmsfer by i~nduc~on.. Rapidly c~mging magnetic fields induce elearic fields in the biological tisane; when properly fed, and when the proper magnitude is achieved, the magnetically induced electric field accomplishes the same result as realized by FES, that of transferring ct~srge directly into the nerve to be excitod. When tire lac~lized membrane potential inside the nerve rises with respect to its no~a~al negative ambient level of approximately -90 millivolts (this level being sensitive to the type of nave and local pH of the surrounding tissue), the nerve "fires.' The present invention is Ggpecislly targeted at applications that are not suited for the use of implanted electrode. The invention is preferred for use in those situations where stimulation can be achieved noninvasively. In those appUwhich include incontinence and rehabilitati~ of muscle as well as potential weight loss treatment, the excitation levels using I?ES
often fall ontsi~ of what might be considered comfortable limits. That is, the electrical current that ideally would be in~,cted through the skin to excite the muscle of interest often leads to some skin imitation with time. Even in applications where this is not the case, the mandatory use of gels and direct electtode/skin placdnent is inconvenient and is often resisted by the patiera.
Magnetic excitation, on the other hand, has the attractive feature of not rewiring electrode skin contact. Thus, stimulation can be achieved through the clothing that is being worn. This overcomes the objaxion of inconvenience and pr~rvation of a patient's dignity. Secondly, because there is no direrx contact, stranger excitation levels can be realized without undue additional skin ittitati~.
A oantn'butiou o~a~ed by the pcaf~ invmdoa is the ability to achieve higher levels of foa~iag of tha magnetic Reld and thus stimulation within the petieat.
Commensurate with this greater level of foau~g names Borne flwdbility in the numbs of possible applicthat might be tatgaed. Also accompanying the higher degc~ee of focus is a higher le~nel of power efficiency. 1'yp~ally, the davixs being designed by the mowned in this inr~On reduce the magnetic reluctance path by a ihctor of two. this reluctanx rrdncxion translates into a diminution of the cwr~t by the same fa<xor and a fourfold reduction in power loss.
Magnetic stimulation of neurons has been heavily investigated ova the laQt decade. Almost all magnetic stimulation work has bem done in viva. The bulk of the magnetic stimulation work has been in the area of brain stimulation.
Cobea has been a rather huge contributor to this field of re~rch (See e.g., T.
Kujirai, M. Sato, J. ltothwell, and L. (3. Ca~tx~, "Tjie Effects of l~anscwnial Magnetic San~ulation on Median Nerve Somatosa>say Evoked Potentials", Jounrol of Clinical Nexrophysiology and Ekctro F,acephalography, Vol. 89, No. 4, 1993, pps. 227 - 234.) This work has been accompanied by various other research effasts including that of Davey, et aL (See, K. R Davey, C. H. Cheng, C. M. Epstcin "An Alloy - Core Blectranagnet for Transcr:mial Brain Stimulation", Jounial of Clinical Narmplrysiology, Vohmne 6, Number 4,1989, p.354); and that of Epatein, a al. (See, Charles Epstein, Daniel Schvvtntzbag, Kex~t Davey, and David Sudderth, "L,ocalizing the Site of Magnetic Brain Stimulation in Humans", Neurology, Volume 40, April 1990, pps. 66670). The bulk of all magnetic stimulation research to fme naves in the central nervous system.
The present invention diffexs in a number of respects from previous reseac~ch and efforts. First, the pinrdntion has paimary applicability to the peripheral nervous system, although it can be employed to stimulate nerves in the dal nervous systaa as well Second, and more in~poctantly, the previous nave stimulation work is doaninated almost exclusively by air core coils of various shapes and sizes. The pmt invet~ian, as will be disa~sod, relates to the use of a core of a highly satmable material, preferably vanadium permendur. Among the air core ~mu>atars ate circles, ovals, figure Bights, and D shaped coils.
The coils are nacmally excited by a capadHve a into the winding of the core of these coils. This exponentially decaying field has a bane constant typically in the neighborhood of 100 mirros~nds. Typical target values for the magn~ic field peak happen to be near two Tesla. J. A. Cadwell is the leader ~mu~g those who are now using and marketing these air core stimulators. Among his primary pata~ts is U.S. Patent Number 4,940,453 eatitlod "Method and Apparatus for Magnttically Stimulating Neurons" July 10, 1990. There are a number of power supplies all of which operate on a basic c~pacitive type discharge into a number ~ sir core coils which are sold with his units.
Various shaped coils are being explored at this time. One such coil is a cap shaped device which fits over the motor cortex (K. Krns, L. C3ugino, W. levy, J. Cadwell, and H. Roth "The use of a cap shaped coil far transcranial stimulation of the motor cortex", Journal of Nar~ropJ~ysiology, Volume 10, Number 3, 1993, pages 353-362).
Some efforts are being given to various circuits used to fire these air ire coils. H. Eton and R l~sh~ offer one such alternative in their patent "Magn~c Nave Stimulator" U.S. Patent Number 5,066,2?2 November 19, 1991. They suggest the use of two capacitors - one to capacitively discharge into the coil of intec~est, and a socond to recover the charge from the inductive energy resident in the coil. The circuit used in the presait invention accomplishes the same objective with a single capacitor.
Some stimulation research is being performed on the peripheral nervous system (See e.g., Paul Maccabee, V. Amassian, L. Eberle, and R Cracco, "Magnetic Coil Stimulation of Straight and Bent Amphibian and Mammalian Peripheral Nerve in vitro: Locus of Excitation, "Journal of Physiology, Volume 460, January 1993, pages 201-219.) The bulk of Maccabee's work is however targeted for cranial excitation.
The applications of the present invention focus on the peripheral nervous system although it can be used on the central nervous system, as well.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Magnetic stimulation of peripheral nerves has the advantages of convenience and threshold variability over competing FES systems. An advance of the present invention over competing magnetic nerve stimulators is in the use of a magnetic core of highly saturable material, and in the design of the magnetic core stimulator itself.
More specifically, the present invention provides a magnetic nerve stimulator comprising (a) an arc-shaped core spanning an angle of less than 360 degrees, the arc-shaped core comprising vanadium permendur, (b) a stimulator coil, the coil at least partially wrapped around the core, and (c) electric current means connected to the stimulator coil to create a current flow in the stimulator coil that causes the stimulator coil and the core to generate a magnetic field.
The present invention also provides a magnetic nerve stimulator comprising (a) a core of highly saturable material, (b) a stimulator coil, the coil having its longitudinal axis located within the geometric outer boundaries defined by the core, and (c) electric current means connected to the stimulator coil to create a current flow in the stimulator coil that causes the stimulator coil and the core to generate a magnetic field.
The electric current means comprises (i) a power supply, (ii) a transformer connected to the power supply, (iii) a full-wave rectifier bridge connected to the transformer, (iv) a diode connected to the full-wave rectifier bridge, (v) capacitor means connected to the diode, (vi) a thyristor connected to the capacitor means, the thyristor connected to the stimulator coil, and (vii) a second diode connected to the capacitor means, the 5a second diode also being connected to the stimulator coil.
The present invention also provides a magnetic nerve stimulator comprising (a) an arc-shaped core spanning an angle of approximately 210 degrees and having an opening of approximately 150 degrees, the core comprising a highly saturable material, (b) a stimulator coil wrapped around at least a portion of the core, and (c) electric current means connected to the stimulator coil to create a current flow in the stimulator coil that causes the stimulator coil and the core to generate a magnetic field, the magnetic field being focussed beyond the opening.
The present invention also provides a magnetic nerve stimulator comprising (a) a seat for a user, (b) two C-shaped cores in proximity to one another to form a common leg portion, the cores comprising highly saturable material and located beneath the seat, (c) a stimulator coil wrapped around at least a portion of the cores, including the common leg portion, and (d) electric current means connected to the stimulator coil to create a current flow in the stimulator coil that causes the stimulator coil and the cores to generate a magnetic field.
In the present invention, it is preferred to "fire" a coil having about a 100 microsecond characteristic decay time, fifteen times per second. The system must be reasonably efficient and reliable to fire at such a high repetition rate. This rate is necessary to keep the muscle groups more or less continuously stimulated.
The exact stimulation frequency will be varied somewhat depending on the requirements of the application. Sometimes muscle groups will need to be excited for a five second period, followed by rest for a five second period and then be stimulated continuously for another five seconds and then rest again. While they are being stimulated, it is desirable to have the muscle groups continuously excited.
This requirement dictates the necessity of continuing to pulse the cores at a repetition of 15 Hz. Because of the large currents involved during any givm firing of the ooze, it is necessary to make the copes as efficient as possible.
It is desirable to focxrs the magic field into the region targeted fac stimulus to the exclusion of surrounding regions. The specially designed cares o~a~ed by this invention realize that focusabllity, whereas the sir core coils used by the prior art do not.
The cave that might be selected would be that of a "'C" shaped care. The span of the "'C" must be carefully chosen; the span affects both .
the penetration depth and the magnitude of the field. Possibly of more impo~uare is the camucxion of the core. The best cues are constructed from thin laminate, highly saturable matexial. A typical core might be wound using two mil stock of vanadium ~. A long n'bbon of such material is wound an a awrdrel (ag.
a mandrel of wood or plastic) for the radius, thick and depth desired. Each side of the ribbon is coated with a thin in~lative coating to electrically isolate it from its neighbor. A generic core that might be used at various locations aruimd the body might span an angle of about 210°. Once the ribbon tins boon wound on the mandrel to the desired dinr~ions, it is dipped in epoxy to freeze its position. Once the epoxy has dried, the mandrel is reanoved and the care may be cut for the span of angle desired. The cut may destroy the electrical isolation of adjacent lanninatians. Each cut must be finely ground so that it is sanooth, and then a deep etch perfomned. The deep ach is performed by dipping each of the cut ends in an acid bath. This causes the cut ex~ds to delaminate slightly, but maintains the electrical isolation of the laminatia~s. Failure to perfam this deep etch Sums to result in considerable eddy current loss and heating at the cut ends of the core. Following the deep etch, the ands are bn~l~d with epoxy to maintain the shape and Structural integrity of the care. The final step of the action is to wind a coil of insulated wire about the core. A typical indu~nce for a vote of this type is about 20NN . The present inventi~, however, may be practiced at other inductance or magnetic field stratgths, as well.
1n the aimPkst canflguradon, each cope has oaly one windiag. The vviadiug is exdted by as expona~allY dea~ng pulse with a chanuxeriatic time of about 20 Ws. The atonal sigaai has a rlnging period of about that time within as envelope that is e~pa~rmdally decaying so that only two to thrx cycles are ever wi~n~ed by the coil currau. T'he excitation is fed on a period of abort 15-ZO Hz. As stated above, die repet~an cycle of thex pwill be varied axa~ding to the applic~ian. T'he cirarit usually oaa~sts of a transfora~r which feeds into a full wave racxifier bridge. T'he bridge voltage charges the capacitor;
the charge on the c~citac is trig$aal with a silicon cotm~ol rectifier to drive cu~nt into the coil. The return charge naming back through the coil the second time is fed through the diode back into the capacitor to prepare the circait for the seed phase of excitati~.
There are three principal target applications for this inre>mon ino~tinence, muscle rehabilitation, and weight control treadnent. Per the t~ment of incontinence, it is necessary to stimulate the pelvic flog muscles.
Such a stimulation is achieved by concentrating and focusing magnetic flux directly up the vaginal cavity. Clue suitable cede capable of realizing this objective is conshuded by combining two individual "C'." cores each spanning an angle of about 210°. The legs of the cores are brought together in a central region. The common central kg of the two '"C'." cores is wound by a coil and the return path for the flux is split between the two 'C"s. The ores themselves fit proximatllY
and distally on a saddle upon which the patient alts during treatment.
The seoatid area of por~ial application is in the rrJ~abilitation of muscles.
The primary muscle groups targeted are the thigh, calf, biceps, and tricxps.
The geoonetry is similar for all these applications, and thus a cylindrical exta~sion around the muscle is used. Although one solution for this problan is a simple "C',"
core and coil which is mrnrod atrnmd by the discretion of the patiern, a more suitable s~mulata raembks the tubular shape motors used in eledrornechanics to propel a eeooodary mambex down a tube. Here the geoanetry would necessarily rEqnine a hinged tubular shape having recesses or alas which world run azimuthally arocmd the muxk gmup to be stimulated. The coils of the stimulator Rts in these recesses a slots and tba surrounding structure would again be a lied vanadium c~poaite. If the atrucxum were fitted with two or three coils, they could be stimulated in a phased arrangement.
Such an excitadO~ would have the effect of lrn~ding the musck tissue group along its lorynal axis. This particular excitation pattern may be instrua~a~tai in more fully raxuiting larger ma9ck groups such as the hamstring group in the kg. FuU recnritmmt or stimulation of the n~awe group would be advantageous to long term rehabilitation. Preliminary experi~matts with the device indicate that excitations at the frequencies mentiora~d accomplish exercise of the rnuscks at a higher efl"xi~cy and rate than could be accomplished through noraval Another area of poternial application is that of assisting in weight loss management. As with muscle rehabilitation, one alternative is to simply use a handheld unit moved over multiple areas of the body. One particularly di~cnlt group to stimulate might be the abW final wall. A possible mathod for realizing excitation of this group would resemble a plate that might be hinged to the sib of a ~ in which the patient sits. The chest plate would contain a two or three phase arrangement of coils backod by the laminated vanadium cones co~nsttt~eted in the mamer dictated above. The cares world be spaced to drive the flux deeply within the abdominal muscle group. Both in muscle rehabilitation and in weight loss management, the phasing of the coils can be alternated with time to give the effect of a beck and forth "klreading" stimulation pattern. The rationale behind weight management is that the firing of these muscle groups requites the uptake of adGO~ine ttiphospho<e; this energy eapmditune is bang artificially induced by the magnetic stimulator.
In svmma~ry, ~ is noted that there are a ntmaba of ways to more etffcimtly stimulate various muscle groups within the body. The lacy to these more t techniques revolves aramd using high saturation thin lam~ate mattaial to construct these cores and thereby drive and focus the fiua into the regions d~~rod.
A simple 'C" type owe achieves a reluctance advantage of at least a of two over convernional cores. By using multiple cores connected at a reenter leg, a single focus site ran be achieved with the return path disbw~ed in two or more areas so as to discourage excitation when the field is returned. In other applications, multiphased coils that actually enclose ~ the tissue of interest can be excited so as to mll or knead muscle groups dir~i~ally with time. Certain wrapping applications may be more instrua~eatal for higher mcxuitma~t of injured muscle groups.
BRIEF DESCRIprION OF THE DRAWINGS
1 ignre 1 is a plan view of a "C" shaped core stimulator with the toroidal roil field winding wrapped around the cone. The field lines (dotted) indicate the depth of pa~etration and focusing of the stimulation.
l~gure 2 is a schematic of the elecaical circuit used to stimulate the roil figure 3 is a top plan view of a core stimulator o~figuration used in the tt~eatment of incontinence; the rye is designed to fit widerneath a saddle shaped cushion in which the patient sits during treatments.
Figure 4 is a pexspoctive view of a rare stimulate (wrapped aroutui a patient's leg) used to massage muscles in the leg for rehabilitation purposes.
Thr tubular cage is hizigod on cue side and is designed to fold armd the leg.
1~
~1g1~!'C s i8 a pa'apeChVC View Of a htlf Of the ~C ~DltllatOt ILled fee arm or leg muscle rehabilitation; windings of different phases are plsoed is adjaoera recesses err slots, cut into the cage.
Iqgure 6 is an end view of the kg err arm stimulator. The winding goiag from one aecxion to the neat is talaen out in a long fold to allow for ease of opariag of the core amts for fad>itating plaomrart arouad the kg a arm.
I~gure 7 is a schematic paspecdve view of a hinged multlpbased sbmula<or designed to conform emuttd the torso of the patient.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE I1WL~'~NTION AND TBE PREFERRED
ENIBOD~T
As shown in Frgure 1, a "C" shaped core is capable of stimulating varies peripheral nerve groups throughout the body. The core 2 is ca~ructed by winding two to four mil laminations of a highly satnrable material on a mandrel;
the number of laminations required will be dilated by the thiclrness and depth of the core de~red. Tbis closed loop spool of laminations is ranoved from the mandrel and coated with epoxy to give the unit strucxural integrity. The closed loop is then cut to give the length and angle of the "C" sluqx, as desired. A
deep acid etch is then performed on the cat edges. The cut edges are soaloed in an acid bath which causes the epoxy to dissolve resulting in a slight delaminaaon of the cove in the vicinity of the cut. Epoxy is then brushed on the etched ends to prevent further delamination. This procedure is necessary to prevent eddy c~nra~ts from flowing in the core. 'Ibis would diminish the effective B field which can be produced by the core. The characteristic magnetic fields in the cares have strengths in the range of two Tesla. The laznirrate material must be canstiucted of a highly seturabk araterial. Preferably, vanadium pemardur is used. This material carries a high field density. In this application, high saturation is more important than high permeability. A winding a coil 4 is then vwtappod around the coca in such a way as to drive the flues through the cart mds S. The field lines 6 give an indication of the depth of p~tration and degroe of foaming expected with such a care.
Figure 2 shows as ele~l circuit used to "fire" the core and coil of Fgure 1. A normal 120 volt, 60 Hz signal eat the ~t at 7. A transformer 8 amplifies the voltage up to about 1-3 kV. This high voltage AC signal is then fed into a full wave rectifier bridge 10. The signal fiom the rectifies bridge is then passed through a diode 12 to charge a capaata 14. The purpose of all the electrical components to the left or up~am of the capacitor is to simply put charge into the capadtar. The aragyr residing in the circuit which wlll be prmrped into the stimulator core is ono-lnlf C (the capacit~Oe vahre) times the voltage equated. ~VVhen thyrister 16 is triggered with a small oaa~ol voltage pulse, cu~nt flows through the thyrister and into the cone 2. Most of this enaglr goes back into the c~paator 14, recharging it in the opposite polarity frarn its initial charge. The reverse charged capacitor 14 irnaxdiately di9chatges again tha~nugh the stimulator coil 2 through diode 18, caoneaed in parallel. Theoretically, all of this energy should pass into capacitor 14 to recharge it according to its initial polarity. In practice, of corpse, this LC circuit has ~e loss, and the thyrister 16 does not shutoff immediately. Two to three exponentially decaying ring cycles of this L
circuit are witr~ed in practice before current of core 2 is a~mplately shut off.
After shutoff, the c~psCitor charges through diode 12 as it did initially. It coattimres to charge until thytister 16 is triggered again.
Different stimulation cycles are employed far different tasks. 1n the urarment of incontinence, one such stimulation cycle might be live seconds on, five seconds off. Dozing the five sands which are charaaer~ed as "on", thyrista 16 would continuously be pulsed 15 times per second. These stimulation Carl be altQted a000I~ t0 the ICQI1II~11d1tS alld $091 Of the St101u1at10~1 prOt0001.
The circuit shown is 8 preferred mnbodimeat for the practice of this invention but other c~ratit designs (such as a dual capacitor arranganalt Or so forth) slay bC ~ t0 file the 0011 as will, i8 1U111 bC appatEnt t0 th0lC
skilled in the art. Moreover, whereas the nlagaetic field produced by this embodiment pulses at ap~oxinmtely 20-SO kHa, variations in that frequa~cy may be pracxioed as well.
Shown in 3 is a dual "C" ooze type arrangement suitable for the treatment of inax>tina>ce. The individual "Cs comprising this cone each span as angle of about 220°. The cams 20 are placed end to end in 8 W type arrangement. ThC vvirrding 4 is wrapped ar~md the comrtlon caller kg of the two cores. The cut ends of these cones are designed to be flush with the lower side of a saddle cushion 21 in which the psrialt sits. The primary flux is driven up the eomma~n cell core into the vaginal cavity. This flux is rCtinzlCd through the posterior and anterior arms of the "W". Because the ret»ta flux is much lower in magnitude, no stimulatioa~ occurs except at the vaginal floor near the caitex leg of the "W".
Figure 4 shows a core stimulatac suitable for exciting ICg and arm muscle g:oups. 1n this configuration the cores 22 would constitute a tubular type shroud into which a leg 24 or an arm would be inserted. Although the "C" come of Figure 1 would be suitable fa this task, its geomary is difficult to achieve a homogenous and controlled stimulus of this muscle group. As shown in l~gure 5, each section of the stimulator Z2 is comprised of two half shells 26. Recesses ac slots 27 are cut into the half shells to allow placan~t of coils which will be wo~md preferentially within the shells. The individual windings of the shell 26 are aligned in sack a way as to cx~a~e a magnetic field which is pt~effi~r~ly along the axis of the arm ar the leg. Ad,recesses or slots of the stimulate 22 will contain differait phases. A two or three phase arrangenneu is used to excite a traveling magnetic Bald which moves down and rep the axis of the arm~/leg.
This winding arnuigement is not uttiiloe that used in tubular marocs to realize sa axial traveling wave. One edge of the two common halves oo~ituting the stimulator 22 must act as a hinge. The winding elecxticxlly connecting the two halves is simply accomplished by bringing the wire doom as an exta~sion 28 as suggested in >~gure 6. The extra length of winding associated with the ext~on 28 guarantees the needed flexibility of the stirnulatar to hinge and wisp aro~nxl the patient's arm or leg.
Figure 7 suggests yet atvotlurr alternative embodiment snitabk for the stimulation of abdominal muscles. Here the stimulator 30 is hinged to a chair into which the patient sits. The stimulator then folds around the patient's abdomen during treatment. The stimulator 30 is again acted of highly pameable, highly saturable material. Multiple windings are laid in recesses or slots which are cut into the cope. The windings are designed to drive flux into the abdomen and cause a oontnuxion of the abdominal wall muscle group. Again the windings can be phased to cause a direcxional massaging of this muscle gt~oup.
Having described this invention with regard to din specific embodiments, it is to be understood that the description is not meant as a limitation since fiutlxx modifications may now suggest eves to those skilled in the art and it is intended to cover such modifications as fall within the scope of the appended claims.
Commensurate with this greater level of foau~g names Borne flwdbility in the numbs of possible applicthat might be tatgaed. Also accompanying the higher degc~ee of focus is a higher le~nel of power efficiency. 1'yp~ally, the davixs being designed by the mowned in this inr~On reduce the magnetic reluctance path by a ihctor of two. this reluctanx rrdncxion translates into a diminution of the cwr~t by the same fa<xor and a fourfold reduction in power loss.
Magnetic stimulation of neurons has been heavily investigated ova the laQt decade. Almost all magnetic stimulation work has bem done in viva. The bulk of the magnetic stimulation work has been in the area of brain stimulation.
Cobea has been a rather huge contributor to this field of re~rch (See e.g., T.
Kujirai, M. Sato, J. ltothwell, and L. (3. Ca~tx~, "Tjie Effects of l~anscwnial Magnetic San~ulation on Median Nerve Somatosa>say Evoked Potentials", Jounrol of Clinical Nexrophysiology and Ekctro F,acephalography, Vol. 89, No. 4, 1993, pps. 227 - 234.) This work has been accompanied by various other research effasts including that of Davey, et aL (See, K. R Davey, C. H. Cheng, C. M. Epstcin "An Alloy - Core Blectranagnet for Transcr:mial Brain Stimulation", Jounial of Clinical Narmplrysiology, Vohmne 6, Number 4,1989, p.354); and that of Epatein, a al. (See, Charles Epstein, Daniel Schvvtntzbag, Kex~t Davey, and David Sudderth, "L,ocalizing the Site of Magnetic Brain Stimulation in Humans", Neurology, Volume 40, April 1990, pps. 66670). The bulk of all magnetic stimulation research to fme naves in the central nervous system.
The present invention diffexs in a number of respects from previous reseac~ch and efforts. First, the pinrdntion has paimary applicability to the peripheral nervous system, although it can be employed to stimulate nerves in the dal nervous systaa as well Second, and more in~poctantly, the previous nave stimulation work is doaninated almost exclusively by air core coils of various shapes and sizes. The pmt invet~ian, as will be disa~sod, relates to the use of a core of a highly satmable material, preferably vanadium permendur. Among the air core ~mu>atars ate circles, ovals, figure Bights, and D shaped coils.
The coils are nacmally excited by a capadHve a into the winding of the core of these coils. This exponentially decaying field has a bane constant typically in the neighborhood of 100 mirros~nds. Typical target values for the magn~ic field peak happen to be near two Tesla. J. A. Cadwell is the leader ~mu~g those who are now using and marketing these air core stimulators. Among his primary pata~ts is U.S. Patent Number 4,940,453 eatitlod "Method and Apparatus for Magnttically Stimulating Neurons" July 10, 1990. There are a number of power supplies all of which operate on a basic c~pacitive type discharge into a number ~ sir core coils which are sold with his units.
Various shaped coils are being explored at this time. One such coil is a cap shaped device which fits over the motor cortex (K. Krns, L. C3ugino, W. levy, J. Cadwell, and H. Roth "The use of a cap shaped coil far transcranial stimulation of the motor cortex", Journal of Nar~ropJ~ysiology, Volume 10, Number 3, 1993, pages 353-362).
Some efforts are being given to various circuits used to fire these air ire coils. H. Eton and R l~sh~ offer one such alternative in their patent "Magn~c Nave Stimulator" U.S. Patent Number 5,066,2?2 November 19, 1991. They suggest the use of two capacitors - one to capacitively discharge into the coil of intec~est, and a socond to recover the charge from the inductive energy resident in the coil. The circuit used in the presait invention accomplishes the same objective with a single capacitor.
Some stimulation research is being performed on the peripheral nervous system (See e.g., Paul Maccabee, V. Amassian, L. Eberle, and R Cracco, "Magnetic Coil Stimulation of Straight and Bent Amphibian and Mammalian Peripheral Nerve in vitro: Locus of Excitation, "Journal of Physiology, Volume 460, January 1993, pages 201-219.) The bulk of Maccabee's work is however targeted for cranial excitation.
The applications of the present invention focus on the peripheral nervous system although it can be used on the central nervous system, as well.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Magnetic stimulation of peripheral nerves has the advantages of convenience and threshold variability over competing FES systems. An advance of the present invention over competing magnetic nerve stimulators is in the use of a magnetic core of highly saturable material, and in the design of the magnetic core stimulator itself.
More specifically, the present invention provides a magnetic nerve stimulator comprising (a) an arc-shaped core spanning an angle of less than 360 degrees, the arc-shaped core comprising vanadium permendur, (b) a stimulator coil, the coil at least partially wrapped around the core, and (c) electric current means connected to the stimulator coil to create a current flow in the stimulator coil that causes the stimulator coil and the core to generate a magnetic field.
The present invention also provides a magnetic nerve stimulator comprising (a) a core of highly saturable material, (b) a stimulator coil, the coil having its longitudinal axis located within the geometric outer boundaries defined by the core, and (c) electric current means connected to the stimulator coil to create a current flow in the stimulator coil that causes the stimulator coil and the core to generate a magnetic field.
The electric current means comprises (i) a power supply, (ii) a transformer connected to the power supply, (iii) a full-wave rectifier bridge connected to the transformer, (iv) a diode connected to the full-wave rectifier bridge, (v) capacitor means connected to the diode, (vi) a thyristor connected to the capacitor means, the thyristor connected to the stimulator coil, and (vii) a second diode connected to the capacitor means, the 5a second diode also being connected to the stimulator coil.
The present invention also provides a magnetic nerve stimulator comprising (a) an arc-shaped core spanning an angle of approximately 210 degrees and having an opening of approximately 150 degrees, the core comprising a highly saturable material, (b) a stimulator coil wrapped around at least a portion of the core, and (c) electric current means connected to the stimulator coil to create a current flow in the stimulator coil that causes the stimulator coil and the core to generate a magnetic field, the magnetic field being focussed beyond the opening.
The present invention also provides a magnetic nerve stimulator comprising (a) a seat for a user, (b) two C-shaped cores in proximity to one another to form a common leg portion, the cores comprising highly saturable material and located beneath the seat, (c) a stimulator coil wrapped around at least a portion of the cores, including the common leg portion, and (d) electric current means connected to the stimulator coil to create a current flow in the stimulator coil that causes the stimulator coil and the cores to generate a magnetic field.
In the present invention, it is preferred to "fire" a coil having about a 100 microsecond characteristic decay time, fifteen times per second. The system must be reasonably efficient and reliable to fire at such a high repetition rate. This rate is necessary to keep the muscle groups more or less continuously stimulated.
The exact stimulation frequency will be varied somewhat depending on the requirements of the application. Sometimes muscle groups will need to be excited for a five second period, followed by rest for a five second period and then be stimulated continuously for another five seconds and then rest again. While they are being stimulated, it is desirable to have the muscle groups continuously excited.
This requirement dictates the necessity of continuing to pulse the cores at a repetition of 15 Hz. Because of the large currents involved during any givm firing of the ooze, it is necessary to make the copes as efficient as possible.
It is desirable to focxrs the magic field into the region targeted fac stimulus to the exclusion of surrounding regions. The specially designed cares o~a~ed by this invention realize that focusabllity, whereas the sir core coils used by the prior art do not.
The cave that might be selected would be that of a "'C" shaped care. The span of the "'C" must be carefully chosen; the span affects both .
the penetration depth and the magnitude of the field. Possibly of more impo~uare is the camucxion of the core. The best cues are constructed from thin laminate, highly saturable matexial. A typical core might be wound using two mil stock of vanadium ~. A long n'bbon of such material is wound an a awrdrel (ag.
a mandrel of wood or plastic) for the radius, thick and depth desired. Each side of the ribbon is coated with a thin in~lative coating to electrically isolate it from its neighbor. A generic core that might be used at various locations aruimd the body might span an angle of about 210°. Once the ribbon tins boon wound on the mandrel to the desired dinr~ions, it is dipped in epoxy to freeze its position. Once the epoxy has dried, the mandrel is reanoved and the care may be cut for the span of angle desired. The cut may destroy the electrical isolation of adjacent lanninatians. Each cut must be finely ground so that it is sanooth, and then a deep etch perfomned. The deep ach is performed by dipping each of the cut ends in an acid bath. This causes the cut ex~ds to delaminate slightly, but maintains the electrical isolation of the laminatia~s. Failure to perfam this deep etch Sums to result in considerable eddy current loss and heating at the cut ends of the core. Following the deep etch, the ands are bn~l~d with epoxy to maintain the shape and Structural integrity of the care. The final step of the action is to wind a coil of insulated wire about the core. A typical indu~nce for a vote of this type is about 20NN . The present inventi~, however, may be practiced at other inductance or magnetic field stratgths, as well.
1n the aimPkst canflguradon, each cope has oaly one windiag. The vviadiug is exdted by as expona~allY dea~ng pulse with a chanuxeriatic time of about 20 Ws. The atonal sigaai has a rlnging period of about that time within as envelope that is e~pa~rmdally decaying so that only two to thrx cycles are ever wi~n~ed by the coil currau. T'he excitation is fed on a period of abort 15-ZO Hz. As stated above, die repet~an cycle of thex pwill be varied axa~ding to the applic~ian. T'he cirarit usually oaa~sts of a transfora~r which feeds into a full wave racxifier bridge. T'he bridge voltage charges the capacitor;
the charge on the c~citac is trig$aal with a silicon cotm~ol rectifier to drive cu~nt into the coil. The return charge naming back through the coil the second time is fed through the diode back into the capacitor to prepare the circait for the seed phase of excitati~.
There are three principal target applications for this inre>mon ino~tinence, muscle rehabilitation, and weight control treadnent. Per the t~ment of incontinence, it is necessary to stimulate the pelvic flog muscles.
Such a stimulation is achieved by concentrating and focusing magnetic flux directly up the vaginal cavity. Clue suitable cede capable of realizing this objective is conshuded by combining two individual "C'." cores each spanning an angle of about 210°. The legs of the cores are brought together in a central region. The common central kg of the two '"C'." cores is wound by a coil and the return path for the flux is split between the two 'C"s. The ores themselves fit proximatllY
and distally on a saddle upon which the patient alts during treatment.
The seoatid area of por~ial application is in the rrJ~abilitation of muscles.
The primary muscle groups targeted are the thigh, calf, biceps, and tricxps.
The geoonetry is similar for all these applications, and thus a cylindrical exta~sion around the muscle is used. Although one solution for this problan is a simple "C',"
core and coil which is mrnrod atrnmd by the discretion of the patiern, a more suitable s~mulata raembks the tubular shape motors used in eledrornechanics to propel a eeooodary mambex down a tube. Here the geoanetry would necessarily rEqnine a hinged tubular shape having recesses or alas which world run azimuthally arocmd the muxk gmup to be stimulated. The coils of the stimulator Rts in these recesses a slots and tba surrounding structure would again be a lied vanadium c~poaite. If the atrucxum were fitted with two or three coils, they could be stimulated in a phased arrangement.
Such an excitadO~ would have the effect of lrn~ding the musck tissue group along its lorynal axis. This particular excitation pattern may be instrua~a~tai in more fully raxuiting larger ma9ck groups such as the hamstring group in the kg. FuU recnritmmt or stimulation of the n~awe group would be advantageous to long term rehabilitation. Preliminary experi~matts with the device indicate that excitations at the frequencies mentiora~d accomplish exercise of the rnuscks at a higher efl"xi~cy and rate than could be accomplished through noraval Another area of poternial application is that of assisting in weight loss management. As with muscle rehabilitation, one alternative is to simply use a handheld unit moved over multiple areas of the body. One particularly di~cnlt group to stimulate might be the abW final wall. A possible mathod for realizing excitation of this group would resemble a plate that might be hinged to the sib of a ~ in which the patient sits. The chest plate would contain a two or three phase arrangement of coils backod by the laminated vanadium cones co~nsttt~eted in the mamer dictated above. The cares world be spaced to drive the flux deeply within the abdominal muscle group. Both in muscle rehabilitation and in weight loss management, the phasing of the coils can be alternated with time to give the effect of a beck and forth "klreading" stimulation pattern. The rationale behind weight management is that the firing of these muscle groups requites the uptake of adGO~ine ttiphospho<e; this energy eapmditune is bang artificially induced by the magnetic stimulator.
In svmma~ry, ~ is noted that there are a ntmaba of ways to more etffcimtly stimulate various muscle groups within the body. The lacy to these more t techniques revolves aramd using high saturation thin lam~ate mattaial to construct these cores and thereby drive and focus the fiua into the regions d~~rod.
A simple 'C" type owe achieves a reluctance advantage of at least a of two over convernional cores. By using multiple cores connected at a reenter leg, a single focus site ran be achieved with the return path disbw~ed in two or more areas so as to discourage excitation when the field is returned. In other applications, multiphased coils that actually enclose ~ the tissue of interest can be excited so as to mll or knead muscle groups dir~i~ally with time. Certain wrapping applications may be more instrua~eatal for higher mcxuitma~t of injured muscle groups.
BRIEF DESCRIprION OF THE DRAWINGS
1 ignre 1 is a plan view of a "C" shaped core stimulator with the toroidal roil field winding wrapped around the cone. The field lines (dotted) indicate the depth of pa~etration and focusing of the stimulation.
l~gure 2 is a schematic of the elecaical circuit used to stimulate the roil figure 3 is a top plan view of a core stimulator o~figuration used in the tt~eatment of incontinence; the rye is designed to fit widerneath a saddle shaped cushion in which the patient sits during treatments.
Figure 4 is a pexspoctive view of a rare stimulate (wrapped aroutui a patient's leg) used to massage muscles in the leg for rehabilitation purposes.
Thr tubular cage is hizigod on cue side and is designed to fold armd the leg.
1~
~1g1~!'C s i8 a pa'apeChVC View Of a htlf Of the ~C ~DltllatOt ILled fee arm or leg muscle rehabilitation; windings of different phases are plsoed is adjaoera recesses err slots, cut into the cage.
Iqgure 6 is an end view of the kg err arm stimulator. The winding goiag from one aecxion to the neat is talaen out in a long fold to allow for ease of opariag of the core amts for fad>itating plaomrart arouad the kg a arm.
I~gure 7 is a schematic paspecdve view of a hinged multlpbased sbmula<or designed to conform emuttd the torso of the patient.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE I1WL~'~NTION AND TBE PREFERRED
ENIBOD~T
As shown in Frgure 1, a "C" shaped core is capable of stimulating varies peripheral nerve groups throughout the body. The core 2 is ca~ructed by winding two to four mil laminations of a highly satnrable material on a mandrel;
the number of laminations required will be dilated by the thiclrness and depth of the core de~red. Tbis closed loop spool of laminations is ranoved from the mandrel and coated with epoxy to give the unit strucxural integrity. The closed loop is then cut to give the length and angle of the "C" sluqx, as desired. A
deep acid etch is then performed on the cat edges. The cut edges are soaloed in an acid bath which causes the epoxy to dissolve resulting in a slight delaminaaon of the cove in the vicinity of the cut. Epoxy is then brushed on the etched ends to prevent further delamination. This procedure is necessary to prevent eddy c~nra~ts from flowing in the core. 'Ibis would diminish the effective B field which can be produced by the core. The characteristic magnetic fields in the cares have strengths in the range of two Tesla. The laznirrate material must be canstiucted of a highly seturabk araterial. Preferably, vanadium pemardur is used. This material carries a high field density. In this application, high saturation is more important than high permeability. A winding a coil 4 is then vwtappod around the coca in such a way as to drive the flues through the cart mds S. The field lines 6 give an indication of the depth of p~tration and degroe of foaming expected with such a care.
Figure 2 shows as ele~l circuit used to "fire" the core and coil of Fgure 1. A normal 120 volt, 60 Hz signal eat the ~t at 7. A transformer 8 amplifies the voltage up to about 1-3 kV. This high voltage AC signal is then fed into a full wave rectifier bridge 10. The signal fiom the rectifies bridge is then passed through a diode 12 to charge a capaata 14. The purpose of all the electrical components to the left or up~am of the capacitor is to simply put charge into the capadtar. The aragyr residing in the circuit which wlll be prmrped into the stimulator core is ono-lnlf C (the capacit~Oe vahre) times the voltage equated. ~VVhen thyrister 16 is triggered with a small oaa~ol voltage pulse, cu~nt flows through the thyrister and into the cone 2. Most of this enaglr goes back into the c~paator 14, recharging it in the opposite polarity frarn its initial charge. The reverse charged capacitor 14 irnaxdiately di9chatges again tha~nugh the stimulator coil 2 through diode 18, caoneaed in parallel. Theoretically, all of this energy should pass into capacitor 14 to recharge it according to its initial polarity. In practice, of corpse, this LC circuit has ~e loss, and the thyrister 16 does not shutoff immediately. Two to three exponentially decaying ring cycles of this L
circuit are witr~ed in practice before current of core 2 is a~mplately shut off.
After shutoff, the c~psCitor charges through diode 12 as it did initially. It coattimres to charge until thytister 16 is triggered again.
Different stimulation cycles are employed far different tasks. 1n the urarment of incontinence, one such stimulation cycle might be live seconds on, five seconds off. Dozing the five sands which are charaaer~ed as "on", thyrista 16 would continuously be pulsed 15 times per second. These stimulation Carl be altQted a000I~ t0 the ICQI1II~11d1tS alld $091 Of the St101u1at10~1 prOt0001.
The circuit shown is 8 preferred mnbodimeat for the practice of this invention but other c~ratit designs (such as a dual capacitor arranganalt Or so forth) slay bC ~ t0 file the 0011 as will, i8 1U111 bC appatEnt t0 th0lC
skilled in the art. Moreover, whereas the nlagaetic field produced by this embodiment pulses at ap~oxinmtely 20-SO kHa, variations in that frequa~cy may be pracxioed as well.
Shown in 3 is a dual "C" ooze type arrangement suitable for the treatment of inax>tina>ce. The individual "Cs comprising this cone each span as angle of about 220°. The cams 20 are placed end to end in 8 W type arrangement. ThC vvirrding 4 is wrapped ar~md the comrtlon caller kg of the two cores. The cut ends of these cones are designed to be flush with the lower side of a saddle cushion 21 in which the psrialt sits. The primary flux is driven up the eomma~n cell core into the vaginal cavity. This flux is rCtinzlCd through the posterior and anterior arms of the "W". Because the ret»ta flux is much lower in magnitude, no stimulatioa~ occurs except at the vaginal floor near the caitex leg of the "W".
Figure 4 shows a core stimulatac suitable for exciting ICg and arm muscle g:oups. 1n this configuration the cores 22 would constitute a tubular type shroud into which a leg 24 or an arm would be inserted. Although the "C" come of Figure 1 would be suitable fa this task, its geomary is difficult to achieve a homogenous and controlled stimulus of this muscle group. As shown in l~gure 5, each section of the stimulator Z2 is comprised of two half shells 26. Recesses ac slots 27 are cut into the half shells to allow placan~t of coils which will be wo~md preferentially within the shells. The individual windings of the shell 26 are aligned in sack a way as to cx~a~e a magnetic field which is pt~effi~r~ly along the axis of the arm ar the leg. Ad,recesses or slots of the stimulate 22 will contain differait phases. A two or three phase arrangenneu is used to excite a traveling magnetic Bald which moves down and rep the axis of the arm~/leg.
This winding arnuigement is not uttiiloe that used in tubular marocs to realize sa axial traveling wave. One edge of the two common halves oo~ituting the stimulator 22 must act as a hinge. The winding elecxticxlly connecting the two halves is simply accomplished by bringing the wire doom as an exta~sion 28 as suggested in >~gure 6. The extra length of winding associated with the ext~on 28 guarantees the needed flexibility of the stirnulatar to hinge and wisp aro~nxl the patient's arm or leg.
Figure 7 suggests yet atvotlurr alternative embodiment snitabk for the stimulation of abdominal muscles. Here the stimulator 30 is hinged to a chair into which the patient sits. The stimulator then folds around the patient's abdomen during treatment. The stimulator 30 is again acted of highly pameable, highly saturable material. Multiple windings are laid in recesses or slots which are cut into the cope. The windings are designed to drive flux into the abdomen and cause a oontnuxion of the abdominal wall muscle group. Again the windings can be phased to cause a direcxional massaging of this muscle gt~oup.
Having described this invention with regard to din specific embodiments, it is to be understood that the description is not meant as a limitation since fiutlxx modifications may now suggest eves to those skilled in the art and it is intended to cover such modifications as fall within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (31)
1. A magnetic nerve stimulator comprising:
(a) an arc-shaped core spanning an angle of less than 360 degrees, said arc-shaped core comprising vanadium permendur;
(b) a stimulator coil, said coil at least partially wrapped around said core;
and (c) electric current means connected to said stimulator coil to create a current flow in said stimulator coil that causes said stimulator coil and said core to generate a magnetic field.
(a) an arc-shaped core spanning an angle of less than 360 degrees, said arc-shaped core comprising vanadium permendur;
(b) a stimulator coil, said coil at least partially wrapped around said core;
and (c) electric current means connected to said stimulator coil to create a current flow in said stimulator coil that causes said stimulator coil and said core to generate a magnetic field.
2. A magnetic nerve stimulator as claimed in claim 1, wherein said core defines an arc of approximately 210 degrees.
3. A magnetic nerve stimulator as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein said arc-shaped core spans an angle of approximately 210 degrees thereby defining an opening of approximately 150 degrees, wherein said magnetic field is focussed beyond said opening.
4. A magnetic nerve stimulator as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein said core is approximately C-shaped.
5. A magnetic nerve stimulator as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the shape of said core focuses and/or concentrates the magnetic field produced by said coil and said core.
6. A magnetic nerve stimulator as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said core is substantially tubular.
7. A magnetic nerve stimulator as claimed in claim 6, wherein said core comprises at least one recess for holding said coil.
8. A magnetic nerve stimulator as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein said electric current means comprises:
(a) a power supply;
(b) a transformer connected to said power supply;
(c) a full-wave rectifier bridge connected to said transformer;
(d) a diode connected to said full-wave rectifier bridge;
(e) capacitor means connected to said diode;
(f) a thyristor connected to said capacitor means, said thyristor connected to said stimulator coil; and (g) a second diode connected to said capacitor means, said second diode also being connected to said stimulator coil.
(a) a power supply;
(b) a transformer connected to said power supply;
(c) a full-wave rectifier bridge connected to said transformer;
(d) a diode connected to said full-wave rectifier bridge;
(e) capacitor means connected to said diode;
(f) a thyristor connected to said capacitor means, said thyristor connected to said stimulator coil; and (g) a second diode connected to said capacitor means, said second diode also being connected to said stimulator coil.
9. A magnetic nerve stimulator as claimed in claim 8, wherein said capacitor means comprises a single capacitor.
10. A magnetic nerve stimulator as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein said coil has a decay time of about 100 microseconds.
11. A magnetic nerve stimulator as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein said coil generates a magnetic field at least about 15 times per second.
12. A magnetic nerve stimulator as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein said core comprises a ribbon of a saturable material coated with a thin insulative coating.
13. A magnetic nerve stimulator as claimed in claim 12, wherein said ribbon is further provided with an epoxy coating.
14. A magnetic nerve stimulator as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the ends of said core are smoothly ground.
15. A magnetic nerve stimulator as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising at least two approximately C-shaped cores, said two C-shaped cores being held closely together to form a common leg, and wherein said coil is wrapped around a portion of said common leg.
16. A magnetic nerve stimulator as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein two of said cores are provided, said cores being C-shaped, and wherein said magnetic nerve stimulator further comprises a seat for a user to sit upon, said cores being located underneath said seat yet the magnetic field produced by said magnetic nerve stimulator being above said seat.
17. A magnetic nerve stimulator as claimed in claim 16, wherein said cores produce a magnetic field during operation of said stimulator, said magnetic field being focused in the direction of a user's bladder muscles when the user sits on said seat.
18. A magnetic nerve stimulator as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17, where said stimulator comprises at least a section which wraps around a portion of a patient's abdomen.
19. A magnetic nerve stimulator comprising:
(a) a core of highly saturable material;
(b) a stimulator coil, said coil having its longitudinal axis located within the geometric outer boundaries defined by said core; and (c) electric current means connected to said stimulator coil to create a current flow in said stimulator coil that causes said stimulator coil and saiid core to generate a magnetic field, said electric current means comprising:
(i) a power supply;
(ii) a transformer connected to said power supply;
(iii) a full-wave rectifier bridge connected to said transformer;
(iv) a diode connected to said full-wave rectifier bridge;
(v) capacitor means connected to said diode;
(vi) a thyristor connected to said capacitor means, said thyristor connected to said stimulator coil; and (vii) a second diode connected to said capacitor means, said second diode also being connected to said stimulator coil.
(a) a core of highly saturable material;
(b) a stimulator coil, said coil having its longitudinal axis located within the geometric outer boundaries defined by said core; and (c) electric current means connected to said stimulator coil to create a current flow in said stimulator coil that causes said stimulator coil and saiid core to generate a magnetic field, said electric current means comprising:
(i) a power supply;
(ii) a transformer connected to said power supply;
(iii) a full-wave rectifier bridge connected to said transformer;
(iv) a diode connected to said full-wave rectifier bridge;
(v) capacitor means connected to said diode;
(vi) a thyristor connected to said capacitor means, said thyristor connected to said stimulator coil; and (vii) a second diode connected to said capacitor means, said second diode also being connected to said stimulator coil.
20. A magnetic nerve stimulator as claimed in claim 19, wherein said highly saturable material is a material capable of maintaining a magnetic field of approximately two Tesla within said core.
21. A magnetic nerve stimulator as claimed in claim 19 or 20, wherein said core comprised vanadium permendur.
22. A magnetic nerve stimulator as claimed in claim 19, 20 or 21, wherein said core defines an arc of approximately 210 degrees.
23. A magnetic nerve stimulator comprising:
(a) an arc-shaped core spanning an angle of approximately 210 degrees and having an opening of approximately 150 degrees, said core comprising a highly saturable material;
(b) a stimulator coil wrapped around at least a portion of said core; and (c) electric current means connected to said stimulator cavil to create a current flow in said stimulator coil that causes said stimulator coil and saiid core to generate a magnetic field, said magnetic field being focussed beyond said opening.
(a) an arc-shaped core spanning an angle of approximately 210 degrees and having an opening of approximately 150 degrees, said core comprising a highly saturable material;
(b) a stimulator coil wrapped around at least a portion of said core; and (c) electric current means connected to said stimulator cavil to create a current flow in said stimulator coil that causes said stimulator coil and saiid core to generate a magnetic field, said magnetic field being focussed beyond said opening.
24. A magnetic nerve stimulator as claimed in claim 23, wherein said highly saturable material is a material capable of maintaining a magnetic field of approximately two Tesla within said core.
25. A magnetic nerve stimulator as claimed in claim 23 or 24, wherein said highly saturable material comprises vanadium permendur.
26. A magnetic nerve stimulator comprising:
(a) a seat for a user;
(b) two C-shaped cores in proximity to one another to form a common leg portion, said cores comprising highly saturable material and located beneath said seat;
(c) a stimulator coil wrapped around at least a portion of said cores, including said common leg portion; and (d) electric current means connected to said stimulator coil to create a current flow in said stimulator coil that causes said stimulator coil and sand cores to generate a magnetic field.
(a) a seat for a user;
(b) two C-shaped cores in proximity to one another to form a common leg portion, said cores comprising highly saturable material and located beneath said seat;
(c) a stimulator coil wrapped around at least a portion of said cores, including said common leg portion; and (d) electric current means connected to said stimulator coil to create a current flow in said stimulator coil that causes said stimulator coil and sand cores to generate a magnetic field.
27. A magnetic nerve stimulator as claimed in claim 26, wherein said highly saturable material is a material capable of maintaining a magnetic field of approximately two Tesla within said core.
28. A magnetic nerve stimulator as claimed in claim 26 or 27, wherein said electric current means comprises:
(i) a power supply;
(ii) a transformer connected to said power supply;
(iii) a full-wave rectifier bridge connected to said transformer;
(iv) a diode connected to said full-wave rectifier bridge;
(v) capacitor means connected to said diode;
(vi) a thyristor connected to said capacitor means, said thyristor connected to said stimulator coil; and (vii) a second diode connected to said capacitor means, said second diode also being connected to said stimulator coil.
(i) a power supply;
(ii) a transformer connected to said power supply;
(iii) a full-wave rectifier bridge connected to said transformer;
(iv) a diode connected to said full-wave rectifier bridge;
(v) capacitor means connected to said diode;
(vi) a thyristor connected to said capacitor means, said thyristor connected to said stimulator coil; and (vii) a second diode connected to said capacitor means, said second diode also being connected to said stimulator coil.
29. A magnetic nerve stimulator as claimed in claim 26, 27 or 28, wherein each of said C-shaped cores comprise vanadium permendur and comprise an angle of approximately 220 degrees.
30. A magnetic nerve stimulator as claimed in any one of claims 26 to 29, wherein each of said C-shaped cores comprise an angle of approximately 220 degrees.
31. A magnetic nerve stimulator as claimed in any one of claims 26 to 30, wherein said cores comprise vanadium permendur.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US08/345,572 | 1994-11-28 | ||
| US08/345,572 US5725471A (en) | 1994-11-28 | 1994-11-28 | Magnetic nerve stimulator for exciting peripheral nerves |
| PCT/US1995/015350 WO1996016692A1 (en) | 1994-11-28 | 1995-11-28 | Magnetic nerve stimulator for exciting peripheral nerves |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2206054A1 CA2206054A1 (en) | 1996-06-06 |
| CA2206054C true CA2206054C (en) | 2002-03-26 |
Family
ID=23355567
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002206054A Expired - Fee Related CA2206054C (en) | 1994-11-28 | 1995-11-28 | Magnetic nerve stimulator for exciting peripheral nerves |
Country Status (9)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US5725471A (en) |
| EP (2) | EP1062988B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPH11511661A (en) |
| AT (2) | ATE270125T1 (en) |
| AU (1) | AU700482B2 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2206054C (en) |
| DE (2) | DE69533970T2 (en) |
| HK (1) | HK1019207A1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1996016692A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (126)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US6086525A (en) * | 1994-11-28 | 2000-07-11 | Neotonus, Inc. | Magnetic nerve stimulator for exciting peripheral nerves |
| US6425852B1 (en) * | 1994-11-28 | 2002-07-30 | Emory University | Apparatus and method for transcranial magnetic brain stimulation, including the treatment of depression and the localization and characterization of speech arrest |
| WO1997040887A1 (en) * | 1996-04-26 | 1997-11-06 | Zentralinstitut Für Biomedizinische Technik Der Universität Ulm | Method and apparatus for focused neuromagnetic stimulation and detection |
| EP0930849B1 (en) * | 1996-08-15 | 2007-07-11 | Neotonus, Inc. | Apparatus for transcranial brain stimulation |
| US6500110B1 (en) * | 1996-08-15 | 2002-12-31 | Neotonus, Inc. | Magnetic nerve stimulation seat device |
| EP0850665B1 (en) * | 1996-12-27 | 2004-03-03 | Nihon Kohden Corporation | Magnetic stimulus type urinary incontinence treatment coil apparatus |
| JPH11333003A (en) | 1998-05-27 | 1999-12-07 | Nippon Koden Corp | Remedial device for incontinence of urine |
| DE19824504C2 (en) | 1998-06-02 | 2001-08-16 | Albrecht Struppler | Body part stimulation device |
| WO2001007111A2 (en) * | 1999-07-22 | 2001-02-01 | Neotonus, Inc. | Magnetic toroids for the stimulation of biological tissue |
| EP1092451B1 (en) | 1999-09-30 | 2007-03-07 | Nihon Kohden Corporation | Air-cooling system for a urinary incontinence device |
| EP1120131A3 (en) | 2000-01-27 | 2001-10-10 | Nihon Kohden Corporation | Electromagnetic coil apparatus for urinary incontinence treatment |
| AU2001253422A1 (en) * | 2000-04-12 | 2001-10-30 | Neotonus, Inc. | Magnetic nerve stimulator utilizing vertically overlapping cores |
| US7117033B2 (en) * | 2000-05-08 | 2006-10-03 | Brainsgate, Ltd. | Stimulation for acute conditions |
| US20020097125A1 (en) * | 2000-06-05 | 2002-07-25 | Kent Davey | Method for optimizing transcranial magnetic stimulation cores and magnetic cores produced thereby |
| WO2001093948A2 (en) * | 2000-06-08 | 2001-12-13 | Lawson Research Institute | Diagnosis and classification of disease and disability using low frequency magnetic field designed pulses (cnps) |
| ATE342749T1 (en) | 2000-06-09 | 2006-11-15 | Fralex Therapeutics Inc | DEVICE FOR PROTECTION AGAINST MAGNETIC AND ELECTRICAL FIELDS |
| US6402678B1 (en) * | 2000-07-31 | 2002-06-11 | Neuralieve, Inc. | Means and method for the treatment of migraine headaches |
| US8086314B1 (en) * | 2000-09-27 | 2011-12-27 | Cvrx, Inc. | Devices and methods for cardiovascular reflex control |
| US6985774B2 (en) | 2000-09-27 | 2006-01-10 | Cvrx, Inc. | Stimulus regimens for cardiovascular reflex control |
| US20080177366A1 (en) * | 2000-09-27 | 2008-07-24 | Cvrx, Inc. | Cuff electrode arrangement for nerve stimulation and methods of treating disorders |
| US6850801B2 (en) | 2001-09-26 | 2005-02-01 | Cvrx, Inc. | Mapping methods for cardiovascular reflex control devices |
| US20070185542A1 (en) * | 2002-03-27 | 2007-08-09 | Cvrx, Inc. | Baroreflex therapy for disordered breathing |
| US6522926B1 (en) | 2000-09-27 | 2003-02-18 | Cvrx, Inc. | Devices and methods for cardiovascular reflex control |
| US7158832B2 (en) * | 2000-09-27 | 2007-01-02 | Cvrx, Inc. | Electrode designs and methods of use for cardiovascular reflex control devices |
| US7499742B2 (en) | 2001-09-26 | 2009-03-03 | Cvrx, Inc. | Electrode structures and methods for their use in cardiovascular reflex control |
| US20080167699A1 (en) * | 2000-09-27 | 2008-07-10 | Cvrx, Inc. | Method and Apparatus for Providing Complex Tissue Stimulation Parameters |
| US7623926B2 (en) | 2000-09-27 | 2009-11-24 | Cvrx, Inc. | Stimulus regimens for cardiovascular reflex control |
| US7616997B2 (en) * | 2000-09-27 | 2009-11-10 | Kieval Robert S | Devices and methods for cardiovascular reflex control via coupled electrodes |
| US7840271B2 (en) | 2000-09-27 | 2010-11-23 | Cvrx, Inc. | Stimulus regimens for cardiovascular reflex control |
| KR100397119B1 (en) * | 2000-10-02 | 2003-09-06 | (주) 엠큐브테크놀로지 | Driving circuit for a magnetic urinary incontinence therapy system |
| US20020103515A1 (en) * | 2000-12-01 | 2002-08-01 | Kent Davey | Magnetic fields for the treatment of cancer and to assist in nerve regeneration |
| US8047979B2 (en) | 2001-04-20 | 2011-11-01 | Mclean Hospital Corporation | Magnetic field treatment techniques |
| US6572528B2 (en) | 2001-04-20 | 2003-06-03 | Mclean Hospital Corporation | Magnetic field stimulation techniques |
| ATE516846T1 (en) | 2001-05-04 | 2011-08-15 | Univ Texas | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DELIVERING TRANSCRANIAL MAGNETIC STIMULATION |
| US10315042B2 (en) | 2001-11-01 | 2019-06-11 | Pthera LLC | Device and method for providing a synergistic combination of phototherapy and a non-light energy modality to the brain |
| US8211031B2 (en) | 2002-01-15 | 2012-07-03 | Orsan Medical Technologies Ltd. | Non-invasive intracranial monitor |
| WO2006011128A1 (en) | 2004-07-15 | 2006-02-02 | Orsan Medical Technologies Ltd. | Cerebral perfusion monitor |
| US7998080B2 (en) | 2002-01-15 | 2011-08-16 | Orsan Medical Technologies Ltd. | Method for monitoring blood flow to brain |
| AU2003209608A1 (en) | 2002-01-15 | 2003-07-30 | Orsan Medical Equipment Ltd. | Device for monitoring blood flow to brain |
| US7684859B2 (en) * | 2002-04-25 | 2010-03-23 | Brainsgate Ltd. | Stimulation of the OTIC ganglion for treating medical conditions |
| UA78051C2 (en) | 2002-06-05 | 2007-02-15 | Device for magnetic inductive therapy, method of therapeutic use, unipolar pulse emitter | |
| US7539528B2 (en) * | 2002-09-20 | 2009-05-26 | Jinhu Xiong | Using magnetic resonance imaging to directly map neuronal activity |
| US7561919B2 (en) * | 2002-11-14 | 2009-07-14 | Brainsgate Ltd. | SPG stimulation via the greater palatine canal |
| US7294101B2 (en) * | 2002-12-21 | 2007-11-13 | Neuropace, Inc. | Means and methods for treating headaches |
| US8118722B2 (en) | 2003-03-07 | 2012-02-21 | Neuronetics, Inc. | Reducing discomfort caused by electrical stimulation |
| US7153256B2 (en) * | 2003-03-07 | 2006-12-26 | Neuronetics, Inc. | Reducing discomfort caused by electrical stimulation |
| US20060111626A1 (en) * | 2003-03-27 | 2006-05-25 | Cvrx, Inc. | Electrode structures having anti-inflammatory properties and methods of use |
| KR100547265B1 (en) * | 2003-03-31 | 2006-01-26 | 모승기 | Apparatus and method for creating pulse magnetic stimulation having modulation function |
| US7480532B2 (en) | 2003-10-22 | 2009-01-20 | Cvrx, Inc. | Baroreflex activation for pain control, sedation and sleep |
| US9233245B2 (en) | 2004-02-20 | 2016-01-12 | Brainsgate Ltd. | SPG stimulation |
| US8055347B2 (en) | 2005-08-19 | 2011-11-08 | Brainsgate Ltd. | Stimulation for treating brain events and other conditions |
| US8010189B2 (en) | 2004-02-20 | 2011-08-30 | Brainsgate Ltd. | SPG stimulation for treating complications of subarachnoid hemorrhage |
| US8177702B2 (en) | 2004-04-15 | 2012-05-15 | Neuronetics, Inc. | Method and apparatus for determining the proximity of a TMS coil to a subject's head |
| US20060004417A1 (en) * | 2004-06-30 | 2006-01-05 | Cvrx, Inc. | Baroreflex activation for arrhythmia treatment |
| WO2006021957A2 (en) * | 2004-08-23 | 2006-03-02 | Brainsgate Ltd. | Concurrent bilateral spg modulation |
| US7857746B2 (en) * | 2004-10-29 | 2010-12-28 | Nueronetics, Inc. | System and method to reduce discomfort using nerve stimulation |
| DE112005002910B4 (en) * | 2004-11-26 | 2018-11-15 | Mcube Technology Co., Ltd. | An electrical circuit having a transformer serving as a damping coil and a magnetic stimulator having the same |
| KR100692204B1 (en) * | 2004-11-26 | 2007-03-09 | (주) 엠큐브테크놀로지 | An electric circuit, having transformer which can function as a buffer inductor, and magnetic stimulator therewith |
| US8088058B2 (en) * | 2005-01-20 | 2012-01-03 | Neuronetics, Inc. | Articulating arm |
| US7396326B2 (en) | 2005-05-17 | 2008-07-08 | Neuronetics, Inc. | Ferrofluidic cooling and acoustical noise reduction in magnetic stimulators |
| US7824324B2 (en) | 2005-07-27 | 2010-11-02 | Neuronetics, Inc. | Magnetic core for medical procedures |
| US8109879B2 (en) * | 2006-01-10 | 2012-02-07 | Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc. | Assessing autonomic activity using baroreflex analysis |
| US20070167990A1 (en) * | 2006-01-17 | 2007-07-19 | Theranova, Llc | Method and apparatus for low frequency induction therapy for the treatment of urinary incontinence and overactive bladder |
| US9339641B2 (en) | 2006-01-17 | 2016-05-17 | Emkinetics, Inc. | Method and apparatus for transdermal stimulation over the palmar and plantar surfaces |
| US20100168501A1 (en) * | 2006-10-02 | 2010-07-01 | Daniel Rogers Burnett | Method and apparatus for magnetic induction therapy |
| US9610459B2 (en) * | 2009-07-24 | 2017-04-04 | Emkinetics, Inc. | Cooling systems and methods for conductive coils |
| US7801601B2 (en) * | 2006-01-27 | 2010-09-21 | Cyberonics, Inc. | Controlling neuromodulation using stimulus modalities |
| DE102006024467B4 (en) * | 2006-05-24 | 2012-04-26 | Mag & More Gmbh | Magnetic neurostimulator |
| US20090210026A1 (en) * | 2006-08-17 | 2009-08-20 | Brainsgate Ltd. | Spg stimulation for enhancing neurogenesis and brain metabolism |
| US9005102B2 (en) | 2006-10-02 | 2015-04-14 | Emkinetics, Inc. | Method and apparatus for electrical stimulation therapy |
| JP2010505471A (en) * | 2006-10-02 | 2010-02-25 | エムキネティクス， インコーポレイテッド | Method and apparatus for magnetic induction therapy |
| US11224742B2 (en) | 2006-10-02 | 2022-01-18 | Emkinetics, Inc. | Methods and devices for performing electrical stimulation to treat various conditions |
| US10786669B2 (en) | 2006-10-02 | 2020-09-29 | Emkinetics, Inc. | Method and apparatus for transdermal stimulation over the palmar and plantar surfaces |
| EP2081638A4 (en) * | 2006-11-03 | 2013-06-12 | Gep Technology Inc | Apparatus and methods for minimally invasive obesity treatment |
| US8249705B1 (en) | 2007-03-20 | 2012-08-21 | Cvrx, Inc. | Devices, systems, and methods for improving left ventricular structure and function using baroreflex activation therapy |
| US20090132002A1 (en) * | 2007-05-11 | 2009-05-21 | Cvrx, Inc. | Baroreflex activation therapy with conditional shut off |
| US8594794B2 (en) | 2007-07-24 | 2013-11-26 | Cvrx, Inc. | Baroreflex activation therapy with incrementally changing intensity |
| US7860569B2 (en) | 2007-10-18 | 2010-12-28 | Brainsgate, Ltd. | Long-term SPG stimulation therapy for prevention of vascular dementia |
| WO2010006341A1 (en) | 2008-07-11 | 2010-01-14 | Gep Technology, Inc. | Apparatus and methods for minimally invasive obesity treatment |
| US20100331603A1 (en) * | 2009-03-18 | 2010-12-30 | Johann Szecsi | Method and device for the physical treatment of paretic patients |
| EP2493551A4 (en) | 2009-10-26 | 2013-04-17 | Emkinetics Inc | Method and apparatus for electromagnetic stimulation of nerve, muscle, and body tissues |
| US8588884B2 (en) | 2010-05-28 | 2013-11-19 | Emkinetics, Inc. | Microneedle electrode |
| FR2970655B1 (en) * | 2011-01-21 | 2013-02-08 | Cosmosoft | DEVICE FOR REDUCING ADDITIONAL OVERLOADS |
| WO2012098338A1 (en) | 2011-01-21 | 2012-07-26 | Cosmosoft | Device for emitting a magnetic field |
| US9345411B2 (en) | 2011-02-09 | 2016-05-24 | Orsan Medical Technologies, Ltd. | Devices and methods for monitoring cerebral hemodynamic conditions |
| US8739799B2 (en) * | 2011-07-05 | 2014-06-03 | Jack Y Dea | Non-contact electronic tool for dream enhancement |
| US9265965B2 (en) | 2011-09-30 | 2016-02-23 | Board Of Regents, The University Of Texas System | Apparatus and method for delivery of transcranial magnetic stimulation using biological feedback to a robotic arm |
| DE102012013534B3 (en) | 2012-07-05 | 2013-09-19 | Tobias Sokolowski | Apparatus for repetitive nerve stimulation for the degradation of adipose tissue by means of inductive magnetic fields |
| AU2014207265B2 (en) | 2013-01-21 | 2017-04-20 | Cala Health, Inc. | Devices and methods for controlling tremor |
| US9072891B1 (en) | 2013-06-04 | 2015-07-07 | Dantam K. Rao | Wearable medical device |
| EP2878335B1 (en) | 2013-11-10 | 2018-01-03 | Brainsgate Ltd. | Implant and delivery system for neural stimulator |
| JP5771261B2 (en) * | 2013-12-03 | 2015-08-26 | 株式会社Ｉｆｇ | Medical continuous magnetic pulse generator |
| CN114768093A (en) | 2014-06-02 | 2022-07-22 | 卡拉健康公司 | Systems and methods for peripheral nerve stimulation to treat tremor |
| US11491342B2 (en) | 2015-07-01 | 2022-11-08 | Btl Medical Solutions A.S. | Magnetic stimulation methods and devices for therapeutic treatments |
| US10271907B2 (en) | 2015-05-13 | 2019-04-30 | Brainsgate Ltd. | Implant and delivery system for neural stimulator |
| CA2988586A1 (en) | 2015-06-10 | 2016-12-15 | Cala Health, Inc. | Neuromodulation system for peripheral nerve stimulation with detachable therapy unit |
| US11266850B2 (en) | 2015-07-01 | 2022-03-08 | Btl Healthcare Technologies A.S. | High power time varying magnetic field therapy |
| US10695575B1 (en) | 2016-05-10 | 2020-06-30 | Btl Medical Technologies S.R.O. | Aesthetic method of biological structure treatment by magnetic field |
| US20180001107A1 (en) | 2016-07-01 | 2018-01-04 | Btl Holdings Limited | Aesthetic method of biological structure treatment by magnetic field |
| DE102015009220A1 (en) | 2015-07-17 | 2017-01-19 | Arnulf Deinzer | Prosthetic device with sensory detection of the load |
| US10603482B2 (en) | 2015-09-23 | 2020-03-31 | Cala Health, Inc. | Systems and methods for peripheral nerve stimulation in the finger or hand to treat hand tremors |
| US11253717B2 (en) | 2015-10-29 | 2022-02-22 | Btl Healthcare Technologies A.S. | Aesthetic method of biological structure treatment by magnetic field |
| IL243686B (en) | 2016-01-19 | 2022-05-01 | Epitech Mag Ltd | Device for enhancing ocular epithelial integrity via magnetic pulses |
| AU2017211048B2 (en) | 2016-01-21 | 2022-03-10 | Cala Health, Inc. | Systems, methods and devices for peripheral neuromodulation for treating diseases related to overactive bladder |
| US11464993B2 (en) | 2016-05-03 | 2022-10-11 | Btl Healthcare Technologies A.S. | Device including RF source of energy and vacuum system |
| US11247039B2 (en) | 2016-05-03 | 2022-02-15 | Btl Healthcare Technologies A.S. | Device including RF source of energy and vacuum system |
| US11534619B2 (en) | 2016-05-10 | 2022-12-27 | Btl Medical Solutions A.S. | Aesthetic method of biological structure treatment by magnetic field |
| US10583287B2 (en) | 2016-05-23 | 2020-03-10 | Btl Medical Technologies S.R.O. | Systems and methods for tissue treatment |
| US10556122B1 (en) | 2016-07-01 | 2020-02-11 | Btl Medical Technologies S.R.O. | Aesthetic method of biological structure treatment by magnetic field |
| JP7077297B2 (en) | 2016-07-08 | 2022-05-30 | カラ ヘルス，インコーポレイテッド | Systems and methods for stimulating N nerves with strictly N electrodes and improved drywall |
| EP3565631B1 (en) | 2017-01-05 | 2024-04-24 | Noctrix Health, Inc. | Restless leg syndrome or overactive nerve treatment |
| WO2021067751A1 (en) | 2019-10-03 | 2021-04-08 | Noctrix Health, Inc. | Peripheral nerve stimulation for restless legs syndrome |
| CN110809486A (en) | 2017-04-03 | 2020-02-18 | 卡拉健康公司 | Peripheral neuromodulation systems, methods, and devices for treating diseases associated with overactive bladder |
| IL253677B2 (en) | 2017-07-26 | 2023-06-01 | Epitech Mag Ltd | Magnetic device for treating living tissues |
| US11857778B2 (en) | 2018-01-17 | 2024-01-02 | Cala Health, Inc. | Systems and methods for treating inflammatory bowel disease through peripheral nerve stimulation |
| JP7443246B2 (en) * | 2018-01-18 | 2024-03-05 | パルサー・メドテック・リミテッド | External electronic patch to accelerate bone healing or regeneration after trauma |
| JP2020048985A (en) * | 2018-09-27 | 2020-04-02 | スミダコーポレーション株式会社 | Organism stimulating magnetic field generating device |
| PT3696829T (en) | 2019-02-15 | 2021-10-20 | Centre Nat Rech Scient | Method for generating a pulsed magnetic field and associated device |
| ES2926904T3 (en) | 2019-04-11 | 2022-10-31 | Btl Medical Solutions A S | Device for the aesthetic treatment of biological structures using radiofrequency and magnetic energy |
| US11890468B1 (en) | 2019-10-03 | 2024-02-06 | Cala Health, Inc. | Neurostimulation systems with event pattern detection and classification |
| US20220249858A1 (en) * | 2020-01-08 | 2022-08-11 | Ifg Corporation | Magnetic stimulation device |
| MX2022013485A (en) | 2020-05-04 | 2022-11-30 | Btl Healthcare Tech A S | Device and method for unattended treatment of a patient. |
| US11878167B2 (en) | 2020-05-04 | 2024-01-23 | Btl Healthcare Technologies A.S. | Device and method for unattended treatment of a patient |
| DE102021111627A1 (en) | 2021-05-05 | 2022-11-10 | Prof. Dr. Fischer AG | Device for magnetic field stimulation of a user's body tissue |
| US11896816B2 (en) | 2021-11-03 | 2024-02-13 | Btl Healthcare Technologies A.S. | Device and method for unattended treatment of a patient |
| WO2023092072A1 (en) * | 2021-11-18 | 2023-05-25 | Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc. | Generating electromagnetic waves for transcranial magnetic stimulation |
Family Cites Families (10)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3841306A (en) * | 1972-10-25 | 1974-10-15 | Univ Iowa State Res Found Inc | Implantable, non-contacting nerve stimulating transducer |
| DE3166555D1 (en) * | 1980-04-23 | 1984-11-15 | Inoue Japax Res | Magnetic treatment device |
| JPS5722770A (en) | 1980-07-18 | 1982-02-05 | Inoue Japax Res | Magnetic treating instrument |
| US5156587A (en) * | 1983-09-01 | 1992-10-20 | Montone Liber J | Method for treating malignant cells |
| US4940453A (en) * | 1987-01-28 | 1990-07-10 | Cadwell Industries, Inc. | Method and apparatus for magnetically stimulating neurons |
| RU1799577C (en) * | 1989-08-17 | 1993-03-07 | Межотраслевой научно-технический комплекс "Микрохирургия глаза" | Method for improving vision function affected by ophthalmic nerve and retina disease |
| DE3930930C1 (en) * | 1989-09-15 | 1990-10-11 | Thomas 8000 Muenchen De Weyh | |
| CA2056448C (en) * | 1990-04-02 | 2002-08-06 | Robert Ray Holcomb | Electromagnetic treatment device |
| US5066272A (en) * | 1990-06-29 | 1991-11-19 | The Johns Hopkins University | Magnetic nerve stimulator |
| DE9300499U1 (en) * | 1993-01-21 | 1993-03-25 | Ralf Schrank Magnetfeldtechnik, 7770 Ueberlingen, De |
-
1994
- 1994-11-28 US US08/345,572 patent/US5725471A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1995
- 1995-11-28 DE DE69533970T patent/DE69533970T2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1995-11-28 AT AT95940834T patent/ATE270125T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1995-11-28 AT AT00121067T patent/ATE287750T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1995-11-28 EP EP00121067A patent/EP1062988B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1995-11-28 DE DE69533232T patent/DE69533232T2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1995-11-28 JP JP8517887A patent/JPH11511661A/en active Pending
- 1995-11-28 AU AU42453/96A patent/AU700482B2/en not_active Ceased
- 1995-11-28 EP EP95940834A patent/EP0906136B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1995-11-28 WO PCT/US1995/015350 patent/WO1996016692A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 1995-11-28 CA CA002206054A patent/CA2206054C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
1999
- 1999-09-30 HK HK99104255A patent/HK1019207A1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| ATE270125T1 (en) | 2004-07-15 |
| EP1062988B1 (en) | 2005-01-26 |
| DE69533232T2 (en) | 2005-07-14 |
| CA2206054A1 (en) | 1996-06-06 |
| EP0906136A4 (en) | 1999-04-07 |
| HK1019207A1 (en) | 2000-01-28 |
| AU4245396A (en) | 1996-06-19 |
| WO1996016692A1 (en) | 1996-06-06 |
| US5725471A (en) | 1998-03-10 |
| MX9703910A (en) | 1998-10-31 |
| AU700482B2 (en) | 1999-01-07 |
| EP1062988A2 (en) | 2000-12-27 |
| JPH11511661A (en) | 1999-10-12 |
| EP0906136A1 (en) | 1999-04-07 |
| EP0906136B1 (en) | 2004-06-30 |
| ATE287750T1 (en) | 2005-02-15 |
| DE69533970D1 (en) | 2005-03-03 |
| DE69533970T2 (en) | 2006-01-12 |
| DE69533232D1 (en) | 2004-08-05 |
| EP1062988A3 (en) | 2001-04-11 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| CA2206054C (en) | Magnetic nerve stimulator for exciting peripheral nerves | |
| US6500110B1 (en) | Magnetic nerve stimulation seat device | |
| AU758938B2 (en) | Magnetic nerve stimulator for exciting peripheral nerves | |
| DE69725484T2 (en) | Device for the treatment of urinary incontinence | |
| US6179769B1 (en) | Magnetic stimulus type urinary incontinence treatment apparatus | |
| CA2263346A1 (en) | Improved transcutaneous electromagnetic energy transfer | |
| WO2003090863A1 (en) | A stimulation coil using magnetic mirror and use thereof | |
| WO2001007111A2 (en) | Magnetic toroids for the stimulation of biological tissue | |
| WO1989012433A1 (en) | Magnetic massage-therapy device | |
| AU733039B2 (en) | Magnetic nerve stimulator for exciting peripheral nerves | |
| JPH10234870A (en) | Coil device for magnetically stimulating type incontinence treatment | |
| JPH04276263A (en) | Shielded electromagnetic type transducer | |
| MXPA97003910A (en) | Magnetic stimulator for nerve to excitate peripheral nervous | |
| US20040133060A1 (en) | Application device for magnetic field treatment | |
| Onuki et al. | Design optimization of stimulation coil system for nerve stimulation | |
| RU2273499C2 (en) | Device for carrying out magnetic therapy | |
| EP0126805B1 (en) | Electromagnetic body-treatment device | |
| JP3979013B2 (en) | Coil device for urinary incontinence treatment | |
| Grover | High frequency practice for practitioners and students | |
| WO2001078829A2 (en) | Magnetic nerve stimulator utilizing vertically overlapping cores | |
| Hammond | 2000 years of therapeutic electricity | |
| Washburn | Electro Galvanism: A Paper Read before the Æsculapean Society | |
| Lunt | A broader spectrum of therapy | |
| CN1084094A (en) | Physiotherapy table | |
| JPS60227775A (en) | Through-hole treating device using magnetic pulse wave |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |