Magnetic Stimulator Arrangement
AssigneeThe Magstim Company Limited
InventorMark Phillips
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Abstract
The present invention relates to a magnetic stimulator arrangement for the magnetic stimulation of neuromuscular tissue. Magnetic stimulators of this kind achieve stimulation by the creation of a rapidly changing magnetic field in the vicinity of the tissue. Electric currents thereby induced in the tissue cause stimulation thereof. The present invention comprises a magnetic stimulator apparatus for the magnetic stimulation of neuromuscular tissue comprising a flexible conductor arranged to define a multiple turn coil and a light guide configured to preferentially fail in the event of at least partial failure of the conductor.
Claims25
A magnetic stimulator apparatus for the magnetic stimulation of neuromuscular tissue comprising:
- a flexible conductor arranged to define a multiple turn coil;
- and
- a light guide.
The magnetic stimulator apparatus according to claim 25, comprising an arrangement to provide an indication in the event of failure of the light guide.
The magnetic stimulator apparatus according to claim 25, wherein the light guide is arranged to fracture in the event of at least partial failure of the conductor.
The magnetic stimulator apparatus according to claim 25, wherein the light guide is a sacrificial light guide.
The magnetic stimulator apparatus according to claim 24, wherein the light guide is in communication with at least a portion of the flexible conductor.
The magnetic stimulator apparatus according to claim 24, wherein the light guide is contiguous with at least a portion of the flexible conductor.
The magnetic stimulator apparatus according to claim 25, wherein the light guide substantially aligns with at least a portion of the flexible conductor.
The magnetic stimulator apparatus according to claim 25 wherein the flexible conductor further defines a neck portion.
The magnetic stimulator apparatus according to claim 25, wherein the light guide is an elongate flexible element.
The magnetic stimulator apparatus according to claim 25, wherein the light guide is at least partially secured to the flexible conductor.
The magnetic stimulator apparatus according to claim 25 further comprising a housing to house the flexible conductor and light guide.
The magnetic stimulator apparatus according to claim 25, wherein the light guide is a light pipe.
The magnetic stimulator apparatus according to claim 25 further comprising a charging circuit, a capacitor and a discharge control for allowing discharge of the capacitor through the flexible conductor.
The magnetic stimulator apparatus according to claim 25, wherein the flexible conductor further comprises a second multiple turn coil.
A method of identifying at least partial failure of a flexible conductor in a magnetic stimulator arrangement for the magnetic stimulation of neuromuscular tissue using the magnetic stimulator apparatus according to claim 24, the method comprising monitoring for failure of the light guide.
A magnetic stimulator apparatus for the magnetic stimulation of neuromuscular tissue comprising:
- a flexible conductor arranged to define a multiple turn coil;
- and
- a light guide;
- wherein the light guide is configured to preferentially fail in the event of at least partial failure of the conductor;
- and
- wherein the light guide is contiguous with at least a portion of the flexible conductor.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.