2129results about "Magnetotherapy using coils/electromagnets" patented technology

Provided herein are methods, devices and compositions to conductively or to inductively fix substrates, including tissues, using electromagnetic energy. Also provided is a method of controlling the fixing process via feedback monitoring of a property of the composition and / or of the electromagnetic energy used.

A device and method for magnetic stimulation of muscles for the diagnosis and relief of a breathing disorder, such as obstructive sleep apnea is disclosed. Magnetic stimulation is used to stimulate muscles which serve to stabilize the upper airway of an individual whose nocturnal apneic events are related to diminished muscle tone. A sensor monitors a physiologic characteristic of the patient, a coil is energized to stimulate the appropriate muscles associated with the upper airway, a power supply provides power for energizing the coil, and a control system controls the application of power to the coil based on the output of the sensor. Diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea is accomplished by measuring the subject's compliance in the presence and absence of the magnetic stimulation of the upper airway muscles. The smaller the difference between these two compliance levels, the more likely that patient suffers from obstructive sleep apnea.

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.

A method and apparatus for conditioning muscles during sleep. The apparatus includes microminiature electrical stimulators that are injected into the muscles to be exercised and a system of transmission coils located in or on the mattress of a bed. The transmission coils transmit power and command signals to the implanted electrical stimulators while the patient sleeps or rests. The implanted electrical stimulators can be programmed so as to produce the desired pattern of muscle exercise without producing cutaneous sensations that would disturb the patient.

Disclosed are apparatus and methods for delivery of transcranial magnetic stimulation. The apparatus includes a TMS coil which when energized generates an electric field substantially parallel to a long axis of the coil and substantially normal to a surface of the coil. Furthermore disclosed an apparatus for delivery of TMS in which a coil is adapted to a robotic member for computer-aided control and delivery. Further disclosed are methods of TMS planning and delivery in which subject images are utilized to plan, position and orient the TMS coil for precise delivery. Disclosed also are TMS coils having unique designs to better focus and direct magnetic stimulation.

Induced movement in a patient is detected and correlated with a TMS stimulating pulse so as to determine the patient's motor threshold stimulation level. Direct visual or audible feedback is provided to the operator indicating that a valid stimulation has occurred so that the operator may adjust the stimulation accordingly. A search algorithm may be used to direct a convergence to the motor threshold stimulation level with or without operator intervention. A motion detector is used or, alternatively, the motion detector is replaced with a direct motor evoked potential (MEP) measurement device that measures induced neurological voltage and correlates the measured neurological change to the TMS stimulus. Other signals indicative of motor threshold may be detected and correlated to the TMS stimulus pulses. For example, left / right asymmetry changes in a narrow subset of EEG leads placed on the forehead of the patient or fast autonomic responses, such as skin conductivity, modulation of respiration, reflex responses, and the like, may be detected. The appropriate stimulation level for TMS studies are also determined using techniques other than motor cortex motor threshold methods. For example, a localized ultrasound probe may be used to determine the depth of cortical tissue at the treatment site. When considered along with neuronal excitability, the stimulation level for treatment may be determined. Alternatively, a localized impedance probe or coil and detection circuit whose Q factor changes with tissue loading may be used to detect cortical depth.