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US 2014/0235929 A1Published application
Magnetic field stimulation
AssigneeThe McLean Hospital Corporation
InventorMichael Rohan
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A magnetic coil system featuring a multi-layer structure (312a, 312b), a spherical shape, or both allows for efficient generation of a gradient magnetic field that induces an electric field in air in a region proximate to the coil. By subjecting at least a portion of a person's brain to the induced electric field various psychiatric disorders can be treated.
Claims35
A system comprising:
- a pulse generator;
- and
- a magnetic coil having a first element, the first element comprising (1) a first layer having an interior surface and an exterior surface, and (2) a second layer having an interior surface and an exterior surface, wherein the interior surface of the second layer is separated from the exterior surface of the first layer by a distance, and
- wherein the first and second layers are in electrical communication with the pulse generator and adapted to produce respective first and second magnetic fields, and the first and second layers are positioned such that the first and second magnetic fields combine to produce an aggregate magnetic field having a field strength greater than either the first or second magnetic field.
1 more element
A system comprising:
- a pulse generator;
- and
- a magnetic coil comprising a first element, an inner surface of the first element forming at least a part of a spherical surface, the first element being in electrical communication with the pulse generator.
A method of treatment using an induced electric field, the method comprising the steps of:
- (a) controlling a pulse generator during a first interval to produce a gradient magnetic field using a coil, the magnetic field having a magnitude that increases at a first rate during the first interval;
- (b) controlling the pulse generator during a second interval that is substantially longer than the first interval, such that the magnitude of the magnetic field decreases during the second interval at a second rate substantially smaller than the first rate, such that
- an electric field having a magnitude greater than zero is induced in air during the first interval and an electric field of a negative magnitude is induced in air during the second interval, wherein an electric field integrated over a period comprising the first and second intervals is substantially zero;
- (c) repeating alternately steps (a) and (b);
- and
- (d) disposing a subject relative to the coil such that at least a portion of the subject's head is located in a region where the electric field is induced.
3 more elements
A method of treatment using an induced electric field, the method comprising the steps of:
- (a) controlling a pulse generator during a first interval to produce a gradient magnetic field using a coil, wherein the gradient magnetic field induces a plurality of consecutive sinusoidal electrical pulses having substantially constant amplitude in air during the first interval;
- (b) controlling the pulse generator during a second interval such that the gradient magnetic field induces an electric field of substantially zero magnitude in air during the second interval;
- (c) repeating alternately the steps (a) and (b);
- and
- (d) disposing a subject relative to the coil such that at least a portion of the subject's head is located in a region where the plurality of sinusoidal pulses is induced.
2 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.