Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090088680 | OPTICAL TISSUE INTERFACE METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR STIMULATING CELLS - In one example, a system electrically stimulates target cells of a living animal using an elongated structure, a modulation circuit and a light pathway such as provided by an optical fiber arrangement. The elongated structure is for insertion into a narrow passageway in the animal such that an end of the elongated structure is sufficiently near the target cells to deliver stimulation thereto. The modulation circuit is for modulating the target cells while the elongated structure is in the narrow passageway, where the modulation circuit is adapted to deliver viral vectors through the elongated structure for expressing light responsive proteins in the target cells. The light pathway is used for stimulating the target cells by delivering light to the light-responsive proteins in the target cells. | 04-02-2009 |
20090099038 | CELL LINE, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPTICAL-BASED SCREENING OF ION-CHANNEL MODULATORS - A variety of applications, systems, methods and constructs are implemented for use in connection with screening of ion-channel modulators. Consistent with one such system, drug candidates are screened to identify their effects on cell membrane ion channels and pumps. The system includes screening cells having light responsive membrane ion switches, voltage-gated ion switches and fluorescence producing voltage sensors. A chemical delivery device introduces the drug candidates to be screened. An optical delivery device activates the light responsive ion switches. An optical sensor monitors fluorescence produced by the voltage sensors. A processor processes data received from the optical sensor. A memory stores the data received from the optical sensor. | 04-16-2009 |
20090099405 | MONOPHASIC MULTI-COIL ARRAYS FOR TRANCRANIAL MAGNETIC STIMULATION - Efficient use of multi-coil arrays for magnetic nerve stimulation depends upon coordinating the coil polarity, the pulse phase and the pulse timing. Monophasic magnetic nerve stimulators produce more precise and predictable results in the stimulation of nerves than biphasic and polyphasic machines, but are less electrically efficient, and consequently limited in terms of pulse train speed. The present invention concerns the coordination of pulse polarity, phase, timing, and strength between multiple magnetic stimulation coils. The goal is to optimize the manner in which multiple coils may be used synergistically to control the activity of underlying neural tissue. | 04-16-2009 |
20090112133 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR NON-INVASIVE NEUROMODULATION - One embodiment involves modifying neural transmission patterns between neural structures and/or neural regions in a noninvasive manner. In a related exemplary method, sound waves are directed toward a first targeted neural structure and characteristics of the sound waves are controlled at the first target neural structure with respect to characteristics of sound waves at the second target neural structure. In response, neural transmission patterns modified to produce the intended effect (e.g., long-term potentiation and long-term depression of the neural transmission patterns). In a related embodiment, a transducer produces the sound for stimulating the first neural structure and the second neural structure, and an electronically-based control circuit is used to control characteristics of the sound waves as described above to modify the neural transmission patterns between the first and second neural structures. | 04-30-2009 |
20090114849 | Radiosurgical neuromodulation devices, systems, and methods for treatment of behavioral disorders by external application of ionizing radiation - Radiosurgical techniques and systems treat behavioral disorders (such as depression, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (“OCD”), addiction, hyperphagia, and the like) by directing radiation from outside the patient toward a target tissue within the patient's brain, typically without imposing surgical trauma. The target will often be included in a neural circuit associated with the behavioral disorder. A cellularly sub-lethal dose of the radiation may be applied and the radiation can mitigate the behavioral disorder, obesity, or the like, by modulating the level of neural activity within the target and in associated tissues. Hypersensitive and/or hyperactive neuronal tissue may be targeted, with the radiation downwardly modulating hyperactive neuronal activity. By down-regulating the activity of a target that normally exerts negative feedback or a limiting effect on a relevant neural circuit, the activity of the circuit may be increased. | 05-07-2009 |
20090118800 | IMPLANTABLE OPTICAL STIMULATORS - Various systems and methods are implemented for in vivo use in a living animal. One such method involves stimulating target cells having light-responsive proteins and includes providing an elongated light-delivery structure in a narrow passageway in the animal, the elongated light-delivery structure having separately-activatable light sources located along the length of the elongated light-delivery structure. The method also includes activating less than all the light sources to deliver light to light-responsive proteins adjacent to the activated light sources along the length of the elongated light-delivery structure, thereby stimulating target cells in vivo. | 05-07-2009 |
20090156884 | TRANSCRANIAL MAGNET STIMULATION OF DEEP BRAIN TARGETS - The treatment of specific neurological and psychiatric illnesses using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) requires that specific neuroanatomical structures are targeted using specific pulse parameters. Described herein are methods of positioning and powering TMS electromagnets to selectively stimulate a deep brain target region while minimizing the impact on non-target regions between the TMS electromagnet and the target. Use of these configurations may involve a combination of physical, spatial and/or temporal summation. Specific approaches to achieving temporal summation are detailed. | 06-18-2009 |
20090234243 | ROBOTIC APPARATUS FOR TARGETING AND PRODUCING DEEP, FOCUSED TRANSCRANIAL MAGNETIC STIMULATION - Techniques for applying electromagnetic energy to deep, targeted areas without overwhelming other areas are provided. One or more coils are moved relative to a target area and magnetic fields are applied to the target from multiple coil locations. As a result, the aggregate electromagetic energy applied to the target over time is greater than surrounding areas. Additionally, a model for testing and treatment planning is provided. | 09-17-2009 |
20090248060 | Electrostatic vascular filters - An intravascular filter is constructed to electrostatically capture and retain particles of a targeted type (for example fat or methacrylate emboli), even if those particles are physically small enough to slip through the filter in the absence of electrostatic attraction. Specific types of targeted particles are thereby captured and retained with improved efficiency, while permitting free flow of non-targeted particles. This improvement permits intravascular filters to be constructed with low-resistance, widely spaced filter elements. Accordingly, more targeted particles are captured, less thrombosis occurs, less pressure drop occurs across the filter, and perfusion or blood collection in downstream areas is maintained. | 10-01-2009 |
20100185042 | CONTROL AND COORDINATION OF TRANSCRANIAL MAGNETIC STIMULATION ELECTROMAGNETS FOR MODULATION OF DEEP BRAIN TARGETS - Described herein are devices and method for control and coordination of TMS electromagnets for modulation of deep brain targets. For example, described herein are methods and devices for stimulating neural structures within the brain using multi-coil arrays. Also described herein are devices and methods that relate generally to the focusing of magnetic fields generated by electromagnets used for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. Devices and methods relating generally to the focusing of magnetic fields generated by electromagnets used for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation are also described, as well as devices and methods that relate generally to moving and positioning electromagnets generating magnetic fields used for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. Finally, also described are devices and methods that relate generally to control of moving, positioning, and activating electromagnets generating magnetic fields used for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. | 07-22-2010 |
20100190229 | SYSTEM FOR OPTICAL STIMULATION OF TARGET CELLS - Stimulation of target cells using light, e.g., in vivo, is implemented using a variety of methods and devices. In one example, embodiments involve methods for stimulating target cells using a photosensitive protein that allows the target cells to be stimulated in response to light. In another specific example embodiment, target cells are stimulated using an implantable arrangement. The arrangement includes an electrical light-generation means for generating light and a biological portion. The biological portion has a photosensitive bio-molecular arrangement that responds to the generated light by stimulating target cells in vivo. Other aspects and embodiments are directed to systems and methods for screening chemicals based screening chemicals to identify their effects on cell membrane ion channels and pumps, and to systems and methods for controlling an action potential of neuron (e.g., in vivo and in vitro environments). | 07-29-2010 |
20100286468 | TRANSCRANIAL MAGNETIC STIMULATION WITH PROTECTION OF MAGNET-ADJACENT STRUCTURES - System and methods for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) are described in which regions adjacent (e.g., to the sides and behind the TMS electromagnet) are protected from the high magnetic fields emitted by the TMS electromagnet. Thus, adjacent muscle or neural structures are protected and undesirable side effects are avoid or minimized, allowing stimulation from previously unavailable sites such as the mouth and pharynx. | 11-11-2010 |
20100286470 | TRANSCRANIAL MAGNETIC STIMULATION FIELD SHAPING - Described herein are Transcranial Magnetic Simulation (TMS) systems and methods of using them for emitting focused, or shaped, magnetic fields for TMS. In particular, described herein are arrays of TMS electromagnets comprising at least one primary (e.g., central) TMS electromagnet and a plurality of secondary (e.g., lateral or surrounding) TMS electromagnets. The secondary TMS electromagnets are arranged around the primary TMS electromagnet(s), and are typically configured to be synchronously fired with the primary TMS electromagnets. Secondary TMS electromagnets may be fired at a fraction of the power used to energize the primary TMS electromagnet to shape the resulting magnetic field. The secondary TMS electromagnets may be stimulated at opposite polarity to the primary TMS electromagnet(s). Focusing in this manner may prevent or reduce stimulation of adjacent non-target brain regions. | 11-11-2010 |
20100292527 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR HYPERTENSION TREATMENT BY NON-INVASIVE STIMULATION TO VASCULAR BARORECEPTORS - The treatment of hypertension may be accomplished by stimulation of the carotid baroreceptors. In the present application the inventors disclose methods in which non-invasively-delivered mechanical perturbations caused by sound, ultrasound, or electrical perturbations caused by magnetic, or direct current stimulation may be used to stimulate the carotid baroreceptors, triggering physiological responses that treat medical disorders including hypertension. | 11-18-2010 |
20100298623 | INTRA-SESSION CONTROL OF TRANSCRANIAL MAGNETIC STIMULATION - Described herein are methods for controlling Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation during or within a session, where direct immediate patient reported feedback is utilized to assess the effect and optimize the treatment in real time. These methods may be applicable to superficial repetitive Transcranial Magnet Stimulation (rTMS) or deep-brain stereotactic Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (sTMS). Examples of therapies that may benefit from these methods include TMS treatment of: acute pain (e.g., during dental procedures or bunionectomies), depression, or Parkinson's Disease, to name only a few. TMS systems and devices including or more patient inputs that may be used to perform these methods are also described. | 11-25-2010 |
20110004450 | DISPLAY OF MODELED MAGNETIC FIELDS - Methods and systems for modeling and displaying magnetic field intensities during Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) are described, particularly methods and system for modeling and displaying TMS using overlapping magnetic fields to stimulate deep brain regions. | 01-06-2011 |
20110082326 | TREATMENT OF CLINICAL APPLICATIONS WITH NEUROMODULATION - Described herein are systems and methods for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) including one or more TMS electromagnets for stimulation of target deep brain regions to stimulate, enhance and/or inhibit neural activity. | 04-07-2011 |
20110098779 | SUB-MOTOR-THRESHOLD STIMULATION OF DEEP BRAIN TARGETS USING TRANSCRANIAL MAGNETIC STIMULATION - Systems and methods for modulating deep brain target regions using an array of TMS electromagnets, wherein each TMS electromagnet stimulates the target at a level that is below motor threshold (MT). Neurological disorders (or disorders having neurological effects) may be treated by sub-MT stimulation of deep-brain targets from an array of TMS electromagnets. | 04-28-2011 |
20110105826 | TRANSCRANIAL MAGNETIC STIMULATION BY ENHANCED MAGNETIC FIELD PERTURBATIONS - Described herein are devices, systems and methods to enhance the magnetic perturbation of a neuronal (e.g., brain) target during Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), thereby enhancing the induced current in the target. In general, these devices, systems and methods enhance the magnetic perturbation (dB/dt) of the target by mechanically moving a TMS electromagnet (e.g. coil) at a frequency of greater than 1 kHz. | 05-05-2011 |
20110159562 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING CELLULAR DEVELOPMENT - According to one aspect and example, a method for facilitating cellular interactions in biological tissue provides controllable activation of a selected type of stem cell among a plurality of cell types present in the tissue. The method includes various steps including the introduction of a microbial opsin into a region of the tissue that includes a selected type of stem cell, by expressing the microbial opsin in the stem cell. A light source is then introduced near the stem cell, and the light source is used to controllably activate the light source to direct pulses of illumination from the light source to the selected type of stem cell, for selectively controlling the growth and development of the stem cell in a manner that is independent of the growth and development of the other types of cells. | 06-30-2011 |
20110172653 | METHODS, SYSTEMS AND DEVICES FOR OPTICAL STIMULATION OF TARGET CELLS USING AN OPTICAL TRANSMISSION ELEMENT - Stimulation of target cells using light, e.g., in vivo, is implemented using a variety of methods and devices. In one such device, target cells are stimulated using an implantable device. The device includes a light source for producing light from electrical power. An optical transmission element is made from a material that is substantially transparent to the light from the light source. This transmission element substantially encases the light source at a proximal end. The transmission element delivers light from the light source to a distal end. The shape and size of the transmission element facilitates implanting of the element within a patient. A fixation portion physically couples to the optical transmission element and secures the device to the patient. A heat dissipation portion removes heat from the near optical transmission element and the light source and dissipates the removed heat through the fixation portion. | 07-14-2011 |
20110273251 | SHAPED COILS FOR TRANSCRANIAL MAGNETIC STIMULATION - Described herein are shaped coil TMS electromagnets formed by two bent magnetic coil loops joined at a vertex having an angle between the outer coil regions of the coils that is typically less than 120 degrees (e.g., between about 45 and about 70 degrees, 60 degrees, etc.). The vertex region shaped to optimize the magnetic field projected from the TMS electromagnet. For example, the vertex region may be horizontal or vertical. In some variations the vertex region is formed by re-arranging the conductive windings forming the two coils so that they are no longer arranged in the same columnar structure that they are in the other portions of the bent magnetic coil loops. These TMS electromagnets may be well suited for use in deep-brain Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. | 11-10-2011 |
20110319700 | Enhanced Spatial Summation for Deep-Brain Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation - Methods of stimulating a target deep brain region using multiple Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) electromagnets positioned over a predetermined cortical regions each having a first-order connection to a target deep brain region and applying TMS so that the applied TMS induces spatial summation and thereby modulation of the target deep brain region. | 12-29-2011 |
20120016177 | TRAJECTORY-BASED DEEP-BRAIN STEREOTACTIC TRANSCRANIAL MAGNETIC STIMULATION - The present invention provides for Stereotactic Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (sTMS) at predetermined locations with the brain or spinal cord and incorporates an array of electromagnets arranged in a specified configuration where selected coils in the array are pulsed simultaneously. Activation of foci demonstrated by functional MRI or other imaging techniques can be used to locate the neural region affected. Imaging techniques can also be utilized to determine the location of the designated targets. | 01-19-2012 |
20120310035 | TRANSCRANIAL MAGNET STIMULATION OF DEEP BRAIN TARGETS - The treatment of specific neurological and psychiatric illnesses using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) requires that specific neuroanatomical structures are targeted using specific pulse parameters. Described herein are methods of positioning and powering TMS electromagnets to selectively stimulate a deep brain target region while minimizing the impact on non-target regions between the TMS electromagnet and the target. Use of these configurations may involve a combination of physical, spatial and/or temporal summation. Specific approaches to achieving temporal summation are detailed. | 12-06-2012 |
20130072960 | Electrostatic Vascular Filters - An intravascular filter is constructed to electrostatically capture and retain particles of a targeted type (for example fat or methacrylate emboli), even if those particles are physically small enough to slip through the filter in the absence of electrostatic attraction. Specific types of targeted particles are thereby captured and retained with improved efficiency, while permitting free flow of non-targeted particles. This improvement permits intravascular filters to be constructed with low-resistance, widely spaced filter elements. Accordingly, more targeted particles are captured, less thrombosis occurs, less pressure drop occurs across the filter, and perfusion or blood collection in downstream areas is maintained. | 03-21-2013 |
20130096363 | NEUROMODULATION OF DEEP-BRAIN TARGETS BY TRANSCRANIAL MAGNETIC STIMULATION ENHANCED BY TRANSCRANIAL DIRECT CURRENT STIMULATION - Described herein are methods, devices and systems for neuromodulation of deep brain targets using a combination of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial direct current (DC) stimulation to reduce or eliminate side-effects when modulating one or more deep brain targets. For example, transcranial magnetic stimulation of a deep brain target may be synchronized with modulation of more superficially located cortical brain regions using transcranial direct current stimulation to prevent seizures and other side effects. Systems configured to regulate (or synchronize) the application of transcranial magnetic stimulation of deep brain targets and transcranial direct current stimulation are also described. | 04-18-2013 |
20130184511 | Radiosurgical Neuromodulation Devices, Systems, and Methods for Treatment of Behavioral Disorders by External Application of Ionizing Radiation - Radiosurgical techniques and systems treat behavioral disorders (such as depression, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (“OCD”), addiction, hyperphagia, and the like) by directing radiation from outside the patient toward a target tissue within the patient's brain, typically without imposing surgical trauma. The target will often be included in a neural circuit associated with the behavioral disorder. A cellularly sub-lethal dose of the radiation may be applied and the radiation can mitigate the behavioral disorder, obesity, or the like, by modulating the level of neural activity within the target and in associated tissues. Hypersensitive and/or hyperactive neuronal tissue may be targeted, with the radiation downwardly modulating hyperactive neuronal activity. By down-regulating the activity of a target that normally exerts negative feedback or a limiting effect on a relevant neural circuit, the activity of the circuit may be increased. | 07-18-2013 |
20130204330 | TRANSCRANIAL MAGNETIC STIMULATION FOR ALTERING SUSCEPTIBILITY OF TISSUE TO PHARMACEUTICALS AND RADIATION - Described herein are methods for modulating the susceptibility of one or more target or tissue regions, and particularly one or more brain regions, to a therapeutic agent such as a drug, immune agent, compound, radiation, etc. In particular, the methods and systems described herein may include magnetic stimulation (including transcranial magnetic stimulation) of target or non-target regions to modulate the susceptibility of the one or more target or tissue regions to a therapeutic agent. | 08-08-2013 |
20130267763 | TRANSVERSE TRANSCRANIAL MAGNETIC STIMULATION COIL PLACEMENT FOR IMPROVED ANALGESIA - Described herein are methods for neuromodulating brain activity of one or more target brain regions, the methods using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) to produce robust analgesia. In particular, described herein are systems for arranging one or more (e.g., a plurality) of TMS electromagnets oriented in a transverse direction, perpendicular to the posterior-anterior axis of the head, and applying sufficient energy to neuromodulate the target deep brain region. | 10-10-2013 |
20130288365 | Cell Line, System and Method for Optical-Based Screening of Ion-Channel Modulators - A variety of applications, systems, methods and constructs are implemented for use in connection with screening of ion-channel modulators. Consistent with one such system, drug candidates are screened to identify their effects on cell membrane ion channels and pumps. The system includes screening cells having light responsive membrane ion switches, voltage-gated ion switches and fluorescence producing voltage sensors. A chemical delivery device introduces the drug candidates to be screened. An optical delivery device activates the light responsive ion switches. An optical sensor monitors fluorescence produced by the voltage sensors. A processor processes data received from the optical sensor. A memory stores the data received from the optical sensor. | 10-31-2013 |
20130289669 | Optical Tissue Interface Method and Apparatus For Stimulating Cells - In one example, a system electrically stimulates target cells of a living animal using an elongated structure, a modulation circuit and a light pathway such as provided by an optical fiber arrangement. The elongated structure is for insertion into a narrow passageway in the animal such that an end of the elongated structure is sufficiently near the target cells to deliver stimulation thereto. The modulation circuit is for modulating the target cells while the elongated structure is in the narrow passageway, where the modulation circuit is adapted to deliver viral vectors through the elongated structure for expressing light responsive proteins in the target cells. The light pathway is used for stimulating the target cells by delivering light to the light-responsive proteins in the target cells. | 10-31-2013 |
20130289676 | Methods, Systems and Devices for Optical Stimulation of Target Cells Using an Optical Transmission Element - Stimulation of target cells using light, e.g., in vivo, is implemented using a variety of methods and devices. In one such device, target cells are stimulated using an implantable device. The device includes a light source for producing light from electrical power. An optical transmission element is made from a material that is substantially transparent to the light from the light source. This transmission element substantially encases the light source at a proximal end. The transmission element delivers light from the light source to a distal end. The shape and size of the transmission element facilitates implanting of the element within a patient. A fixation portion physically couples to the optical transmission element and secures the device to the patient. A heat dissipation portion removes heat from the near optical transmission element and the light source and dissipates the removed heat through the fixation portion. | 10-31-2013 |
20130317281 | TRANSCRANIAL MAGNETIC STIMULATION FOR IMPROVED ANALGESIA - Described herein are methods for neuromodulating brain activity of one or more target brain regions, the methods using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) to produce robust analgesia. In particular, described herein are systems for arranging one or more (e.g., a plurality) of TMS electromagnets in a configuration and applying sufficient energy to neuromodulate the dorsal anterior cingulate gyrus relative to cortical brain regions to significant modulate pain, including the pain of fibromyalgia. | 11-28-2013 |
20130317575 | Implantable Optical Stimulators - Various systems and methods are implemented for in vivo use in a living animal. One such method involves stimulating target cells having light-responsive proteins and includes providing an elongated light-delivery structure in a narrow passageway in the animal, the elongated light-delivery structure having separately-activatable light sources located along the length of the elongated light-delivery structure. The method also includes activating less than all the light sources to deliver light to light-responsive proteins adjacent to the activated light sources along the length of the elongated light-delivery structure, thereby stimulating target cells in vivo. | 11-28-2013 |
20130330816 | Apparatus and Methods for Controlling Cellular Development - According to one aspect and example, a method for facilitating cellular interactions in biological tissue provides controllable activation of a selected type of stem cell among a plurality of cell types present in the tissue. The method includes various steps including the introduction of a microbial opsin into a region of the tissue that includes a selected type of stem cell, by expressing the microbial opsin the stem cell. A light source is then introduced near the stem cell, and the light source is used to controllably activate the light source to direct pulses of illumination from the light source to the selected type of stem cell, for selectively controlling the growth and development of the stem cell in a manner that is independent of the growth and development of the other types of cells. | 12-12-2013 |
20140135565 | Enhanced Spatial Summation for Deep-Brain Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation - Methods of stimulating a target deep brain region using multiple Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) electromagnets positioned over a predetermined cortical regions each having a first-order connection to a target deep brain region and applying TMS so that the applied TMS induces spatial summation and thereby modulation of the target deep brain region. | 05-15-2014 |
20140155677 | Treatment of Anxiety Disorders by External Application of Ionizing Radiation - Medical systems, devices, and methods provide improved radiosurgical techniques for treatment of anxiety disorders (such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Panic Disorder, Social Phobia, Specific Phobia, and the like). Radiation can be directed from a radiation source outside the patient toward a target tissue deep within the patient's brain using a stereotactic radiosurgical platform, typically without having to impose the surgical trauma associated with accessing deep brain tissues. The target will often include at least a portion of the amygdala, with exemplary treatments being directed to targets that are limited to a sub-region of the amygdala. Rather than applying sufficient radiation to kill the neural tissue within the target, a cellularly sub-lethal dose of the radiation may be applied. Without imposing frank cell death throughout the target, the radiation can mitigate the anxiety disorder, obesity, or the like, often by modulating the level of neural activity within the target and in associated tissues. | 06-05-2014 |
20140200388 | CONCURRENT STIMULATION OF DEEP AND SUPERFICIAL BRAIN REGIONS - Systems, devices and methods for applying therapeutic transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to at least one superficial cortical target brain region and at least one deep brain target so that the induced current points between the superficial cortical and deep brain targets. Systems may include two TMS electromagnets configured for treating a patient by stimulating at least one deep brain region with one TMS magnet at the same time that a second TMS magnet stimulates at least one superficial cortical brain region. Also described are positioners to secure at least two TMS magnets in a substantially fixed arrangement relative to the patient's head, while allowing for fine adjustment of position and orientation of each of the TMS magnets individually to conform them to the shape of the contact surface of the body and to direct the vector direction of the overall induced current from the magnets. | 07-17-2014 |
20140221725 | SHAPED COILS FOR TRANSCRANIAL MAGNETIC STIMULATION - Described herein are shaped coil TMS electromagnets formed by two bent magnetic coil loops joined at a vertex having an angle between the outer coil regions of the coils that is typically less than 120 degrees (e.g., between about 45 and about 70 degrees, 60 degrees, etc.). The vertex region shaped to optimize the magnetic field projected from the TMS electromagnet. For example, the vertex region may be horizontal or vertical. In some variations the vertex region is formed by re-arranging the conductive windings forming the two coils so that they are no longer arranged in the same columnar structure that they are in the other portions of the bent magnetic coil loops. These TMS electromagnets may be well suited for use in deep-brain Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. | 08-07-2014 |
20140235920 | Radiosurgical Neuromodulation Devices, Systems, and Methods for Treatment of Behavioral Disorders by External Application of Ionizing Radiation - Radiosurgical techniques and systems treat behavioral disorders (such as depression, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (“OCD”), addiction, hyperphagia, and the like) by directing radiation from outside the patient toward a target tissue within the patient's brain, typically without imposing surgical trauma. The target will often be included in a neural circuit associated with the behavioral disorder. A cellularly sub-lethal dose of the radiation may be applied and the radiation can mitigate the behavioral disorder, obesity, or the like, by modulating the level of neural activity within the target and in associated tissues. Hypersensitive and/or hyperactive neuronal tissue may be targeted, with the radiation downwardly modulating hyperactive neuronal activity. By down-regulating the activity of a target that normally exerts negative feedback or a limiting effect on a relevant neural circuit, the activity of the circuit may be increased. | 08-21-2014 |