ROBOTIC APPARATUS FOR TARGETING AND PRODUCING DEEP, FOCUSED TRANSCRANIAL MAGNETIC STIMULATION

• US 20090234243A1
• Filed: 03/11/2009
• Published: 09/17/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 04/09/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: US Department of Veterans Affairs (Government of the United States of America), Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University (Stanford University)
• Original Assignee: Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University (Stanford University)
• Inventors: Schneider, M. Bret, Mishelevich, David J.
• Granted Patent: US 8,845,508 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/544
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/246 using evoked responses
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 2/006 for magnetic stimulation of nerve tissue
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 2/02 using magnetic fields produced by coils, including single turn loops or electromagnets A61N2/12 takes precedence

Abstract

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.

Claims

1. A method of measuring electromagnetic energy, comprising:

receiving measurements of electromagnetic energy at a plurality of locations over time;

determining electromagnetic energy at a location over time; and

comparing the electromagnetic energy at the location over time to a threshold.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising indicating that the threshold has been crossed.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving thresholds for each of the plurality of locations.

4. An apparatus for measuring electromagnetic energy, comprising:

a plurality of sensors for measuring electromagnetic energy; and

at least one sensor that is designed to represent a physical structure in a patient.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the physical structure is an axon bundle.