Coil for magnetic stimulation and methods for using the same

US8608634B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services · US

Inventors

• Abraham Zangen · Jerusalem, IL
• Roy A. Wise · Baltimore, US
• Mark Hallett · Bethesda, US
• Pedro C. Miranda · Lisbon, PT
• Yiftach Roth · Nehalim, IL

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 21, 2008
• Grant date: Dec 17, 2013
• Expiry date: Aug 17, 2032

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61N2/02
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A magnetic stimulator, which may be used as a transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) device, and a method for its use are disclosed. The stimulator comprises a frame and an electrically conductive coil having a partially toroidal or ovate base and an outwardly projecting extension portion. The frame may be a flexible or malleable material and may be nonconductive. The electrically conductive coil may comprise one or more windings of electrically conductive material (such as a wire) coupled to the frame. The coil is electrically connected to a power supply. The device may be placed adjacent to or in contact with the body of a subject, such as on the head of a subject. The device may be used on humans for treating certain physiological conditions, such as cardiovascular or neurophysiological conditions, or for studying the physiology of the body. This device is useful in studying or treating neurophysiological conditions associated with the deep regions of the brain, such as drug addiction and depression.