Electromagnetic Coil Patents (Class 600/13)
  • Publication number: 20100256438
    Abstract: Methods, devices and systems for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) are provided for synchronous, asynchronous, or independent triggering the firing multiple of electromagnets from either a single power source or multiple energy sources. These methods are particularly useful for stimulation of deep (e.g., sub-cortical) brain regions, or for stimulation of multiple brain regions, since controlled magnetic pulses reaching the deep target location may combine to form a patterned pulse train that activates the desired volume of target tissue. Furthermore, the methods, devices and systems described herein may be used to control the rate of firing of action potentials in one or more brain regions, such as slow or fast rate rTMS. For example, described herein are multiple electromagnetic stimulation sources, each of which are activated independently to create a cumulative effect at the intersections of the electromagnetic stimulation trajectories, typically by means of a computerized calculation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Inventors: David J. Mishelevich, M. Bret Schneider
  • Publication number: 20100228075
    Abstract: A treatment apparatus configured to treat a patient for a neurological disorder comprises a patient interface configured for the patient to enter data for an assessment of his or her subjective sensations, for example pain symptoms associated with migraines. The subjective patient sensation data may comprise at least one of a patient symptom of the neurological condition or a patient trigger of the neurological condition. For example the subjective patient sensations may comprise symptoms that correspond to migraine such as aura symptoms. The treating physician can view the subjective patient data, and diagnose and treat the patient with a treatment plan by writing a treatment plan to a storage device, for example treatment instructions written to a smart card. The storage device can be delivered to the treatment apparatus such that the patient can be treated in response to physician's treatment plan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Applicant: Neuralieve
    Inventor: Ting W. Lu
  • Publication number: 20100222629
    Abstract: Energy emitting systems are provided which include an adjustable conductive coil configured to generate a magnetic or electromagnetic field focused on a target nerve. The coil includes a central aperture which may be adjustable between a first configuration and a second configuration having a radius greater than the radius of the first configuration. The adjustable or movable nature of the coil allows the conductive coil to conform to, accommodate, or be positioned on a particular anatomical structure of a patient to position the coil in proximity to the underlying target nerve. In certain embodiments, methods of magnetic induction therapy are provided which include positioning a conductive coil relative to a portion of a patient's body by adjusting the central aperture of the coil such that the coil may conform to, accommodate or be positioned on the portion of the patient's body in proximity to the underlying target nerve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Applicant: EMKinetics, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Rogers BURNETT, Christopher HERMANSON
  • Publication number: 20100222630
    Abstract: Current treatment options for Overactive Bladder and Urinary Incontinence include exercise and behavioral modifications, pharmacological therapies, surgical intervention, and neuromodulation. Although each of these treatments is used in the treatment of individuals with these conditions, each has severe limitations. Building on the limitations of existing therapies, and with the distillation of lessons learned from the field of pulsed electric stimulation, the present invention employs Low Frequency Induction Therapy for the delivery of an effective, cost efficient, noninvasive alternative to available treatment options. The device of the present application allows for consistent, user-friendly modulation of the pudendal nerve and the sacral plexus, via pulsed electromagnetic stimulation of the posterior tibial nerve, on an outpatient basis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Applicant: EMKINETICS, INC.
    Inventors: Shane MANGRUM, Daniel BURNETT
  • Publication number: 20100204538
    Abstract: An energy emitting, apparatus for providing a medical therapy includes one or more energy generators, a logic controller electrically connected to the one or more energy generators, and one or more sensors that are connected to the logic controller for detecting electric conduction in a target nerve. The energy generators produce energy focused on the target nerve upon receiving a signal from the logic controller, and the energy is varied by the logic controller according to an input provided by the one or more sensors. The energy emitting apparatus includes one or more conductive coils that produce a magnetic field focused on the target nerve upon receiving an electric current from the logic controller based on input provided by the sensors. The sensor may also include a microneedle array to detect electrical conduction or an energy emitting apparatus may include a microneedle array to produce or deliver energy, an electrical or magnetic stimulus or field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Inventors: Daniel Rogers BURNETT, Christopher HERMANSON
  • Publication number: 20100198281
    Abstract: A method for brain modulation includes modulating a predetermined site in the brain in order to treat tinnitus and other phantom perceptions, including hallucinations and the perceived compulsion to take an action. Modulation may be performed electrically, chemically, in combination, or by other techniques. The method may involve surgically implanting a medical lead at a predetermined site, and coupling the lead to an electrical signal generator or source of drugs or other chemicals. Alternatively, a predetermined site may be modulated by means of noninvasive electrical modulation such as electromagnetic induction, or other means such as by creating lesions with methods such as heating, freezing, or radiation treatment, or by virus-mediated cell destruction or functional inactivation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2010
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: C.Y. Joseph Chang, MD, PA
    Inventors: C.Y. Joseph Chang, Purvis H. Bedenbaugh
  • Publication number: 20100197992
    Abstract: A distributed electromagnetic coil structure for applying a time varying electromagnetic field to a population of living organisms is described. The coil structure comprises at least a substantially planar first coil sub-structure. The first coil sub-structure comprises at least a first wire of a predetermined shape and a least a second wire of a predetermined shape, wherein said first and second wire are shaped to define one or more of first cells. An electromagnetic field is generated by said first cells when a current runs through said first coil sub-structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2008
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: QISC B.V.
    Inventor: Johannes Josephus Maria Cuppen
  • Publication number: 20100185042
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Inventors: M. Bret Schneider, David J. Mishelevich
  • Publication number: 20100185041
    Abstract: A method for creating a cylindrical magnetic field with accompanying linear electric vector potential, and projecting it into a substance, and a method for modulating this field. In one embodiment the field is projected into a person for therapy with a circumferentially magnetized ferromagnetic cylinder. This field is then modulated with toroidally wound coil to carry the modulated signal deep into the body. A principal therapeutic benefit of this embodiment is rapid pain relief.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2009
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Inventor: Richard H. Lee
  • Patent number: 7758490
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for electromagnetic treatment for treatment of molecules, cells, tissues, and organs comprising: configuring at least one waveform according to a mathematical model having at least one waveform parameter, said at least one waveform to be coupled to a target pathway structure; choosing a value of said at least one waveform parameter so that said at least waveform is configured to be detectable in said target pathway structure above background activity in said target pathway structure; generating an electromagnetic signal from said configured at least one waveform; and coupling said electromagnetic signal to said target pathway structure using a coupling device wherein said coupling device is an integral portion of a positioning device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Ivivi Health Sciences, LLC
    Inventors: Arthur A. Pilla, Andre′ DiMino, Iyer Viswanathan
  • Publication number: 20100168501
    Abstract: An energy emitting apparatus for providing a medical therapy includes one or more energy generators, a logic controller electrically connected to the one or more energy generators, and one or more sensors that are connected to the logic controller for detecting electric conduction in a target nerve. The energy generators produce energy focused on the target nerve upon receiving a signal from the logic controller, and the energy is varied by the logic controller according to an input provided by the one or more sensors. The energy emitting apparatus includes one or more conductive coils that produce a magnetic field focused on the target nerve upon receiving an electric current from the logic controller based on input provided by the sensors. The sensor may also include a microneedle array to detect electrical conduction or an energy emitting apparatus may include a microneedle array to produce or deliver energy, e.g., an electrical or magnetic stimulus or field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventors: Daniel Rogers Burnett, Christopher Hermanson
  • Publication number: 20100160712
    Abstract: An energy emitting apparatus for providing a medical therapy includes one or more energy generators, a logic controller electrically connected to the one or more energy generators, and one or more sensors that are connected to the logic controller for detecting electric conduction in a target nerve. The energy generators produce energy focused on the target nerve upon receiving a signal from the logic controller, and the energy is varied by the logic controller according to an input provided by the one or more sensors. The energy emitting apparatus includes one or more conductive coils that produce a magnetic field focused on the target nerve upon receiving an electric current from the logic controller based on input provided by the sensors. The sensor may also include a microneedle array to detect electrical conduction or an energy emitting apparatus may include a microneedle array to produce or deliver energy, an electrical or magnetic stimulus or field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventors: Daniel Rogers BURNETT, Christopher HERMANSON
  • Patent number: 7740574
    Abstract: A lightweight inductive apparatus is integrated into at least one therapeutic device (Step 101). Miniaturized circuitry containing logic for a mathematical model having at least one waveform parameter used to configure at least one waveform to be coupled to a target pathway structure such as molecules, cells, tissues, and organs, is attached to the coil by at least one wire (Step 102). The configured waveform satisfies a SNR or Power SNR model so that for a given and known target pathway structure it is possible to choose at least one waveform parameter so that a waveform is detectable in the target pathway structure above its background activity (Step 103). A repetitive electromagnetic signal can be generated for example inductively, from said configured at least one waveform (Step 104). The electromagnetic signal is coupled to a target pathway structure by output of the inductive apparatus (Step 105).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Ivivi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur A. Pilla, Andre′ DiMino, Iyer Viswanathan
  • Publication number: 20100152522
    Abstract: A system and methods for controlling pulse parameters during transcranial magnetic stimulation are provided. Multiple coils are placed on external body parts, and are controlled using an external control unit coupled to a stimulator having fast switches. The timing of the switches, as well as other parameters within the stimulator, determine the pulse parameters, such as pulse shape. The variety of pulse shapes obtainable using such a system and methods provides controlled physiologic effects within an internal body organ.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Inventors: YIFTACH ROTH, Abraham Zangen, Vadim Chudnovsky, Noach Safra, David Hazani
  • Patent number: 7729758
    Abstract: Disclosed are implantable electronic devices and systems including a pair of microstimulators. The microstimulators include coils that are energized to generate magnetic fields aligned along a common axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew I. Haller, Jordi Parramon
  • Publication number: 20100113959
    Abstract: In one aspect, a portable transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) device for delivering a TMS procedure is provided. The portable TMS device comprises at least one coil that, when energized, generates electromagnetic energy, a helmet adapted to fit a user's head and configured to hold the at least one coil in a predetermined position with respect to the user's head, and a port having at least one power connection coupled to the at least one coil, the at least one power connection adapted to connect the at least one coil to a power source capable of energizing the at least one coil, the port further comprising at least one data connection adapted to exchange data with at least one external component, the port being located on the helmet. In another aspect a method of positioning a coil with respect to a person's head to target a desired region of the person's brain with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2007
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS MEDICAL CENTER, INC.
    Inventors: Alvaro Pascual-Leone, Timothy Wagner
  • Publication number: 20100113862
    Abstract: An apparatus for treatment of pain includes a coil formed by a generally flat elliptical base member wrapped by wire in two separated grooves spaced axially along the outer surface and a portable battery powered generator unit for generating a current such that the electromagnetic field has a required magnitude of magnetic flux density in the range 1×104?6 gauss to 1×10?12 gauss at a frequency of between 0.01 and 100 Hz. The base member of the coil is covered by a flexible fabric covering material with a padding layer on each side. The coil is elliptical in plan to generate a field of the required magnitude emitted outwardly to one side in an area of the order of 10 inches by 5 inches at a depth of 2 inches. The generator is controlled wholly by simple switches which only select from a plurality of treatment options.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventors: Alan W. J. Kotowich, Todd Whitla
  • Publication number: 20100113863
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to enhance cognitive performance of at least one subject. At least one neural circuit is located in the brain of the subject, which is activated when the subject performs a predetermined task. Functional magnetic resonance imaging maps may be used to scan and generate maps of the interested neural circuits so as to locate proper neural circuits responsible for a predetermined task. An electromagnetic coil is positioned over a region on the scalp of the subject corresponding to the at least one neural circuit in the brain of the subject. A transcranial magnetic stimulation is delivered from the coil to the region on the scalp of the subject to induce current to flow in the brain that causes neuronal depolarization in the brain and effectuates a change in the performance of the predetermined task by the subject.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventors: Mark S. George, Daryl E. Bohning
  • Publication number: 20100099942
    Abstract: A method and device that can deliver a time-varying electric field non-invasively inside of biological tissue and/or biological fluid such as blood and/or lymph and/or synovial fluid and/or interstitial fluid and/or other fluids in-vivo and with magnitudes that do not cause a tolerable amount of neural motor and sensory action potential generation and frequency components below the megahertz range by means of the placement of more than one electrode on the skin with or without some intermediate biological, synthetic, or natural agent or substance between the electrode and the skin and/or by induction by means of a time-varying magnetic field or both with the novel purpose of activation and/or potentiation and/or normalization and/or regulation and/or stimulation and/or signaling and/or increase and/or regulation of the alertness and/or self tuning of the immune system or any of its parts or components directly or indirectly, locally and/or globally with the purpose of pathogen load reduction and/or reduction
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2008
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Inventor: Lucas Portelli
  • Publication number: 20100094076
    Abstract: A magnetic neuro-muscular stimulator system, a stimulator coil of elongate conductor; a coolant system configured to cool the stimulated coil including a coolant jacket about at least a portion of the conductor; a connector for connecting the coolant system to the elongate conductor, the connector having a first port communicating with a first portion of the coolant system; a second port communicating with a second portion of the coolant system, the first and second ports being in fluid communication; and the connector further including a through bore such that a portion of the elongate conductor extends from externally of the connector through the bore and through the first port, wherein the elongate conductor is in sealed contact with a portion of the bore such that the coolant is prevented from flowing through the bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Applicant: THE MAGSTIM COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventor: Mark Phillips
  • Publication number: 20100087698
    Abstract: Methods are disclosed for using transcranial magnetic stimulation to treat a particular muscle grouping involved in a movement disorder comprising treating a patient with a treatment course comprising a plurality of treatment regimens, each regimen comprising applying repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) over a position on the patient's scalp corresponding to a cortical region controlling the muscle grouping.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2007
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Applicant: NEUROQUEST THERAPEUTICS
    Inventor: Ross G. Hoffman
  • Publication number: 20100081858
    Abstract: According to an example embodiment, a magnetic therapy device may include a housing, a disk, a tachometer, a microprocessor, a driver integrated circuit, and a plurality of coils. The disk may include a plurality of magnets thereon, the disk being mounted inside the housing and configured to rotate within the housing. The tachometer may be configured to monitor a magnetic field generated by the plurality of magnets and provide a frequency signal to a microprocessor based on the monitored magnetic field. The microprocessor may be configured to provide a control signal to the driver integrated circuit based on the frequency signal, the microprocessor being programmed to provide the control signal to maintain a constant speed of rotation of the disk based on the frequency signal. The driver integrated circuit may be configured to provide a current to a plurality of coils based on the control signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2009
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventor: George Sotiriou
  • Publication number: 20100069703
    Abstract: The invention relates to a biophysiological regulator for therapeutic treatments, including brain stimulation coils (7) which generate current using a microcontroller (11). The invention includes a second microcontroller (16), a liquid crystal display (17), a selector (21) for selecting pre-recorded programs and a connection port (20) for an external device (19) which is provided with a speaker (24) and LEDs that indicate whether or not the battery is charged (18), the regulator is connected (27), an application is underway (26) and the battery is low (25), and an internal program (28) which regulates the frequency and typology of the output wave and the time. The invention also includes a tamper protection system formed by a microcontroller (29) inside a special connector (30) built into the assembly (applicator and cable), in which the internal software of the device reads the serial number located inside the microcontroller of the connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: LABORATORIOS BZ I & D, S.L.
    Inventor: Carlos Zapata Perez
  • Publication number: 20100056847
    Abstract: The invention relates to a massage device (1). The massage device (1) comprises a first support (32), a second support (30) and a deformable connector (36). The first support (32) has a massage face (34). The second support (30) has a protrusion (31) for accommodating an electrical coil (8). During use of the massage device (1), electrical coil 8 conducts an electrical current. First support (32) is provided with an electro-magnetic system (15) comprising permanent magnets (14, 24) or one or more electrical coils, magnetically conductible bodies or a combination thereof. First support (32) is connected to second support (30) by a deformable connector (36). As a result of electro-magnetic interaction a force indicated by an arrow (56) is exerted on protrusion (31). The first support (32) may be displaced relative to the second support (30).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Gerrit Jan De Jong, Pieter Johannes Bax, Hermanus Sytse Joseph Altena, Hendrik van Bijssum, Andries Symen Kooistra, Willem Sjoerd Dijkstra
  • Publication number: 20100048981
    Abstract: A method and morphologically adaptable apparatus for altering the charge distribution upon living membranes with functional stabilization of the membrane physical electrical integrity further comprising a method for using quadripolar, circular, center charged, energy balanced magnetic device in a four (4) magnet array of alternating polarity in which the magnetic poles are in multiple planes and are separated by a predetermined distance which provide an effective magnetic sphere of influence on all adjacent poles to suppress the firing of action potentials of mammalian sensory neurons. The method and apparatus further provides a static magnetic device for production of a magnetic field for treatment of various disorders that can be focused at the site of pain or edema to deliver a gradient in the magnetic field to prevent or reduce charge flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: GRADIENT TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventor: William Farone
  • Publication number: 20100048980
    Abstract: The invention relates to a massage device (1). The massage device (1) comprises a first support (32), a second support (30) and a deformable connector (36). The first support (32) has a massage face (34). The second support (30) has a protrusion (31) for accommodating an electrical coil (8). During use of the massage device (1), electrical coil 8 conducts an electrical current. First support (32) is provided with an electromagnetic system (15) comprising permanent magnets (14, 24) or one or more electrical coils, magnetically conductible bodies or a combination thereof. First support (32) is connected to second support (30) by a deformable connector (36). As a result of electro-magnetic interaction a force indicated by an arrow (56) is exerted on protrusion (31). The first support (32) may be displaced relative to the second support (30).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Gerrit Jan De Jong, Joldert Maria Boersma, Pieter Johannes Bax, Hermanus Sytse Joseph Altena, Erik Van Van Bijssum, Andries Symen Kooistra, Willem Sjoerd Dijkstra
  • Patent number: 7658704
    Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methods for delivery of transcranial magnetic stimulation. The apparatus includes a TMS coil which when energized generates an electric field substantially parallel to a long axis of the coil and substantially normal to a surface of the coil. Furthermore disclosed an apparatus for delivery of TMS in which a coil is adapted to a robotic member for computer-aided control and delivery. Further disclosed are methods of TMS planning and delivery in which subject images are utilized to plan, position and orient the TMS coil for precise delivery. Disclosed also are TMS coils having unique designs to better focus and direct magnetic stimulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventors: Peter Fox, Jack Lancaster
  • Publication number: 20100016650
    Abstract: A stimulating coil for use in the magnetic stimulation of neuro-muscular tissue comprises a self-supporting but flexible conductor in a flexible insulating sheath which can be adjusted by hand to conform the coil to the contours of a selected part of the human body. The coil is provided with a cooling system which includes a conduit disposed adjacent or within the coil and a pump for driving coolant through the conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2009
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Inventors: Mark Phillips, Gary A. Thomas
  • Patent number: 7632225
    Abstract: Stuttering-treatment techniques using neural stimulation and/or drug delivery. One or more electrodes and/or a catheter are implanted adjacent to sites in the brain. A signal generator and the electrode deliver stimulation to a first site. A pump and the catheter deliver one or more therapeutic drugs to a second site. The first and second sites could be: the supplementary motor area, the centromedian circuit, the dorsomedial nuclei, the lateral prefrontal circuit, or other paramedian thalamic and midbrain nuclei. The stuttering treatment could be performed via periodic transcranial magnetic stimulation. A sensor, located near the patient's vocal folds, can be used for generating a signal responsive to activity of the patient's speech-producing muscles. A controller adjusts one or more stimulation parameters in response to the signal from the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul H. Stypulkowski
  • Patent number: 7628750
    Abstract: Apparatus for actuating a skeletal muscle of a patient is provided. The apparatus typically includes a plurality of electrodes, which are adapted to be placed in a vicinity of a motor nerve that innervates the skeletal muscle. A control unit, is preferably adapted to drive a current between two or more of the plurality of electrodes, and to configure the current such that a first subset of axons in the nerve is excited by the current and such that a second subset of axons in the nerve is not excited by the current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Biocontrol Medical Ltd.
    Inventors: Ehud Cohen, Yossi Gross
  • Publication number: 20090292158
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for delivering an electric field to a body by delivering a first magnetic field from a first coil in a first orientation to a body and directed at a desired target within the body, and delivering a second magnetic field from a second coil in a second orientation directed at the desired target within the body to induce an electric field across the desired target, wherein only one magnetic field is delivered to the body at any one time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2009
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Applicant: The Catholic University of America
    Inventor: Theodore A. LITOVITZ
  • Publication number: 20090292159
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for delivering an electric field to a body by delivering a first magnetic field from a first coil in a first orientation to a body and directed at a desired target within the body, and delivering a second magnetic field from a second coil in a second orientation directed at the desired target within the body to induce an electric field across the desired target, wherein only one magnetic field is delivered to the body at any one time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2009
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Applicant: The Catholic University of America
    Inventor: Theodore A. LITOVITZ
  • Patent number: 7614996
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a novel method for reducing discomfort caused by transcutaneous stimulation. The novel method includes providing transcutaneous stimulation, reducing the transcutaneous stimulation at a first location, and substantially maintaining the transcutaneous stimulation at a second location. The transcutaneous stimulation may be created by electric and/or magnetic fields. The first location may be relatively proximate to the cutaneous surface and may comprise tissue, nerves and muscle. Also, the second location may be relatively deeper than the first location and include, for example, brain tissue that requires the transcutaneous stimulation for treatment purposes. The invention further may include locating a conductor on a treatment area and/or a transcutaneous stimulation device relative to the first location. In addition, the method may further include adjusting how much the transcutaneous stimulation is reduced at the first location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Neuronetics, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Edward Riehl, Stanford W. Miller
  • Patent number: 7610100
    Abstract: Methods of treating osteoarthritis include applying at least one stimulus to a stimulation site within a patient with an implanted system control unit in accordance with one or more stimulation parameters. Systems for treating osteoarthritis include a system control unit configured to apply at least one stimulus to a stimulation site within a patient in accordance with one or more stimulation parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Kristen N. Jaax, Rafael Carbunaru, Todd K. Whitehurst
  • Patent number: 7601114
    Abstract: An apparatus is introduced for the use of enhancing tissue repair in mammals. The apparatus includes a sleeve; an electrically conductive coil; a sleeve support; an electrical circuit configured to supply the coil with a square wave time varying electrical current sufficient to create approximately 0.05 gauss to 0.5 gauss. When in use, the sleeve of the apparatus is placed on a mammalian body part and the time varying electromagnetic force of from approximately 0.05 gauss to 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignees: Regenetech, Inc., The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Thomas J. Goodwin, Clayton R. Parker
  • Publication number: 20090247808
    Abstract: The inventive technique includes a system, method and device for treating a patient. The device includes a magnetic device having a core created by a binder process having a relatively low temperature. The device further includes a conductor in electrical communication with the core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: Neuronetics, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Edward Riehl, Kenneth Marc Ghiron
  • Publication number: 20090240096
    Abstract: The inventive technique includes a system, method and device for treating a patient. The device includes a magnetic device having a core created by a binder process having a relatively low temperature. The device further includes a conductor in electrical communication with the core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Applicant: NEURONETICS, INC.
    Inventors: Mark Edward Riehl, Kenneth Marc Ghiron
  • Patent number: 7591776
    Abstract: A stimulating coil for use in the magnetic stimulation of neuro-muscular tissue comprises a self-supporting but flexible conductor in a flexible insulating sheath which can be adjusted by hand to conform the coil to the contours of a selected part of the human body. The coil is provided with a cooling system which includes a conduit disposed adjacent or within the coil and a pump for driving coolant through the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: The Magstim Company Limited
    Inventors: Mark Phillips, Gary A. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20090234179
    Abstract: An energy emitting apparatus for providing a medical therapy includes one or more energy generators, a logic controller electrically connected to the one or more energy generators, and one or more sensors for detecting electric conduction in a target nerve that are connected to the logic controller. The one or more energy generators produce energy focused on the target nerve upon receiving a signal from the logic controller, and the energy is varied by the logic controller according to an input provided by the one or more sensors. In one embodiment, the energy emitting apparatus is an apparatus for magnetic induction therapy that includes one or more conductive coils disposed in an ergonomic housing that produce a magnetic field focused on the target nerve upon receiving an electric current from the logic controller based on an input provided by the one or more sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Inventors: Daniel R. BURNETT, Christopher HERMANSON
  • Patent number: 7588565
    Abstract: Provided herein is a device for use in an anastomosis of tissue(s) comprising a biocompatible material and a means of applying radiofrequency energy or electrical energy to generate heat within said biocompatible material. The device also may be used to bond or fuse at two materials where at least one of the material is a tissue. Also provided are methods to anastomose tissue or to bond or to fuse these materials using these devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Rocky Mountain Biosystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin S. Marchitto, Stephen T. Flock
  • Patent number: 7588529
    Abstract: An apparatus for treating a patient, comprising a cylindrical coil (1) for generating an electromagnetic field, the cylindrical coil (1) being arranged so as to accommodate at least part of the patient's body and subject it to said electromagnetic field; means (3) for driving the coil (1) by a pulsed DC voltage; and a supporting structure (4) comprising a receiving surface (5) configured to support the body, or part of the body, inside said cylindrical coil (1); is characterized in that means (9) are provided to adjust the position of said coil (1) with respect to said receiving surface (5) in at least one direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Inventor: Richard Markoll
  • Publication number: 20090227830
    Abstract: A method and device provide simple positioning of a TMS coil relative to a coordinate system of the patient's head while allowing flexible positioning of the patient's head. The system includes a mobile console on a wheeled base that integrates various subsystems and supports a mast that, in turn, supports a coil gantry that supports a TMS coil assembly. The coil gantry includes a balance arm with a counterbalance and a halo assembly that connects to the coil. The coil gantry supports the weight of the coil and allows free movement of the coil in all dimensions for easy placement on the patient's head. A head support and coil alignment unit includes several parts that are designed to provide maximum patient comfort and reliable coil position measurement of the patient's motor threshold (MT) location and TMS treatment location. The head support and coil alignment unit aligns the patient's head and holds the head in place relative to the coil during TMS treatment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2008
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Applicant: NEURONETICS, INC.
    Inventors: Ravi Pillutla, Vincent A. Juliana, Mark E. Riehl
  • Publication number: 20090227831
    Abstract: An energy emitting apparatus for providing a medical therapy includes one or more energy generators, a logic controller electrically connected to the one or more energy generators, and one or more sensors for detecting electric conduction in a target nerve that are connected to the logic controller. The one or more energy generators produce energy focused on the target nerve upon receiving a signal from the logic controller, and the energy is varied by the logic controller according to an input provided by the one or more sensors. In one embodiment, the energy emitting apparatus is an apparatus for magnetic induction therapy that includes one or more conductive coils disposed in an ergonomic housing that produce a magnetic field focused on the target nerve upon receiving an electric current from the logic controller based on an input provided by the one or more sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventors: Daniel R. Burnett, Christopher Hermanson
  • Publication number: 20090227829
    Abstract: An energy emitting apparatus for providing a medical therapy includes one or more energy generators, a logic controller electrically connected to the one or more energy generators, and one or more sensors for detecting electric conduction in a target nerve that are connected to the logic controller. The one or more energy generators produce energy focused on the target nerve upon receiving a signal from the logic controller, and the energy is varied by the logic controller according to an input provided by the one or more sensors. In one embodiment, the energy emitting apparatus is an apparatus for magnetic induction therapy that includes one or more conductive coils disposed in an ergonomic housing that produce a magnetic field focused on the target nerve upon receiving an electric current from the logic controller based on an input provided by the one or more sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventors: Daniel R. BURNETT, Christopher HERMANSON
  • Publication number: 20090216067
    Abstract: Robotized installation for the guided and controlled positioning and movement of a component or an instrument for diagnostic or surgical treatment at or around the head of a patient, whereby the installation includes a robotic device that forms a serial kinematic chain and carries component or instrument at its free and position-controlled end. The robotic device has three kinematic sub-assemblies that are mutually combined in series and include, a first sub-assembly in the form of a rotary-articulation mechanism corresponding to a serial-type, spherical kinematic arrangement with three degrees of freedom, a second sub-assembly in the form of a mechanism with linear translation along an axis, and a third sub-assembly in the form of a second rotary-articulation mechanism, integral with the moving part of the second sub-assembly and also corresponding to a serial-type spherical kinematic arrangement with three degrees of freedom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventors: Cyrille Lebosse, Pierre Renaud, Bernard Bayle, Michel De Mathelin, Olivier Piccin, Edouard Laroche
  • Publication number: 20090203954
    Abstract: The invention relates to a magnetic-field applicator for heating magnetic or magnetizable substances or particles in human or animal tissue having at least two magnet coils (1) for producing a magnetic alternating field, wherein the arrangement of the magnet coils (1) is matched to the body part (2) to be treated in such a way that the magnet coils (1) are on both sides of the body part (2) and the magnetic field produced is concentrated on the body part (2) to be treated. In this way, the volume within which the magnetic field needs to be produced is considerably reduced in comparison with whole-body applicators, which is associated with a lower performance of the magnetic-field applicator for producing the desired magnetic field strength. Furthermore, the magnetic alternating field can be focused on specific areas of the body part (2) to be treated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2006
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Inventors: Dietrich H. W. Grönemeyer, Martin Busch, Frank Rüdiger, Julia Busch
  • Publication number: 20090187062
    Abstract: A transcranial magnetic stimulator according to the present invention includes fixing means for detachably fixing a magnetic field generating means and contains a fixture of a head which covers a head of an examinee to be fixed engaged with a shape of the head that is inherent to an examinee; and characterized in that: a relative position of the magnetic field generating means with respect to the head of the examinee is held constant so that the highest point of an intensity of an electric current to be induced by a magnetic field to be generated by the magnetic field generating means is constantly arranged on a target spot of a diameter not more than 10 mm, which depends on each of the examinees and is located within a cranium, by fixing the magnetic field generating means to the fixing means and a direction of a magnetic field to be generated by the magnetic field generating means and a direction of the target spot are made into a fixed relation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2007
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Applicants: Osaka University, Teijin Pharma Limited
    Inventor: Youichi Saitoh
  • Patent number: 7553272
    Abstract: An apparatus for generating electromagnetic waveforms to stimulate a subject includes a computing device generating digital waveform data. A digital-to-analog converter receives the digital waveform data from the computing device and generates a corresponding analog waveform signal. A channel selector having output channels is operable to apply the analog waveform signal to the output channels when the output channels are actuated. A sequencer independent of the computing device selects and actuates the output channels of the channel selector. An electromagnetic field generator is coupled to each output channel of the channel selector. The electromagnetic field generator coupled to each actuated output channel converts the analog waveform signal into an electromagnetic waveform thereby to expose a subject wearing the electromagnetic field generators to the electromagnetic waveform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Neurosciences Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Stanley A. Koren, Michael A. Persinger, Chin-Ning Chu, Curt Allen Paulson
  • Publication number: 20090163761
    Abstract: A bone growth stimulator is provided. In one embodiment, the device has an elliptically shaped transducer coil. The coil provides increased therapeutic benefit to a wearer. An elliptically shaped housing supports and contains the coil. The housing includes a curvature when viewed in profile, such that a first surface of the housing is convex. The convex surface is adapted to be positioned against a wearer's lower back, to nest within the natural curvature thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: DJO, LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey James Culhane
  • Publication number: 20090156884
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventors: M. Bret Schneider, David J. Mishelevich