SECURING A TMS COIL TO THE PATIENT'S HEAD

• US 20150202453A1
• Filed: 01/22/2014
• Published: 07/23/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 01/22/2014
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: University of Florida Research Foundation, Incorporated (State University System of Florida)
• Original Assignee: University of Florida Research Foundation, Incorporated (State University System of Florida)
• Inventors: Topp, Eric L., Patten, Carolynn
• Granted Patent: US 9,724,532 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 2/002 in combination with another treatment
• 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

A helmet is used to detachably secure a TMS coil to the head of a patient. The helmet has a flexible sack containing a multiplicity of beads and also has a valve that permits air to enter and to be withdrawn from the interior volume of the sack. The handle of the TMS coil is inserted into the helmet, and the helmet is placed upon the head of a patient. Withdrawing air from the interior volume of the sack through the valve causes the sack to shrink and compresses the beads into a compact mass that conforms to the shape of the patient'"'"'s head. Maintaining the vacuum causes the sack to retain its shape, making it possible to hold the helmet and TMS coil in proper position during a TMS study.

Claims

1. A helmet for removably attaching a TMS coil to a head of a living patient, the TMS coil having a handle, and the helmet comprising:

a. a flexible and airtight sack, the sack having an interior volume and a centrally located opening, the opening being sized to receive a TMS coil handle that is inserted into the sack;

b. a valve located on the sack, the valve allowing air to be withdrawn from, and introduced into, the interior volume of the sack; and

c. a multiplicity of beads located in the interior of the sack.

2. The helmet of claim 1, further comprising a chin strap.

3. The helmet of claim 1, wherein the sack is made of nylon and the beads are made of polystyrene.

4. The helmet of claim 1, wherein the opening is sized to receive a TMS coil and attached handle that are inserted into the interior volume of the sack, and further comprising means for creating an airtight seal between the sack and the handle.

6. The helmet of claim 1, further comprising means for cooling the TMS coil.

10. The helmet of claim 1, further comprising a chin strap.

17. The helmet of claim 1, wherein the sack is shaped to fit over a patient'"'"'s head with the patient'"'"'s face exposed.

18. The helmet of claim 17, wherein the sack is shaped to cover all regions of the patient'"'"'s head except the patient'"'"'s face and to anchor at the patient'"'"'s occiput.

7. The helmet of claim 5, wherein the means for cooling comprises a hollow tube through which liquid coolant can be directed.

8. A system for removably attaching a TMS coil to a head of a living patient, the TMS coil having a handle, and the system comprising:

a. a helmet, the helmet comprising

i. a flexible and airtight sack, the sack having an interior volume and a centrally located opening, the opening being sized to receive a TMS coil handle that is inserted into the sack;

ii. a valve located on the sack, the valve allowing air to be withdrawn from, and introduced into, the interior volume of the sack, and

iii. a multiplicity of beads located in the interior of the sack;

b. a support structure; and

c. means for detachably suspending the handle of the TMS coil from the support structure.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the opening is sized to receive a TMS coil antenna and handle that are inserted into the interior volume of the sack, and further comprising means for creating an airtight seal between the sack and the handle.

11. The system of claim 8, further comprising a treadmill, the support structure being located to suspend the helmet above the treadmill.

12. The system of claim 8, further comprising a chair, the support structure being located to suspend the helmet above the chair.

13. The system of claim 8, wherein said means for detachably suspending comprises a cable and a breakaway assembly that causes the TMS coil to become detached from the support when force on the cable exceeds approximately twice the weight of the helmet with the TMS coil located therein and with a cable connected to the TMS coil.

16. The system of claim 13, further comprising a body strap.

14. Apparatus for removably attaching a medical instrument having a handle to a body of a living patient, comprising:

a. a flexible and airtight sack, the sack having an interior volume and an opening, the opening being sized to receive the medical instrument handle that is inserted into the sack;

b. a valve located on the sack, the valve allowing air to be withdrawn from, and introduced into, the interior volume of the sack; and

c. a multiplicity of beads located in the interior of the sack.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the opening is sized to receive a medical instrument and its attached handle that are inserted into the interior volume of the sack, and further comprising means for creating an airtight seal between the sack and the handle.