A magnetic neural stimulator is disclosed for the stimulation of biological tissue. The stimulator includes an inductive stimulation coil, an energy storage capacitor, a firing device and a charging circuit. The energy storage capacitor is charged by the charging circuit to a voltage level which is greater than the voltage level supplied to the charging circuit. The energy storage capacitor is partially discharged into the stimulation coil thereby producing a magnetic pulse. The charging and discharging of the capacitor is continuously performed so as to produce a plurality of high frequency magnetic pulses. The stimulation coil and the energy storage capacitor operate in a resonant manner under a control circuit which performs timing and gating functions.
A magnetic stimulus type urinary incontinence treatment coil apparatus for generating flux for generating eddy current in a physiological body by providing a coil having an upper surface curved in a concave manner at least in a longitudinal direction such that the coil is fitted to at least part of an area from a front face region of a urethra opening to a rear face region of an anus, the coil wound around the area; and a support for supporting the coil at a position at which the coil is fitted to a patient.
A magnetic stimulator device for inducing electrical pulses in human or animal nerve tissue. A high power electrical current source provides specially defined current pulses to a magnetic coil which produces non-uniform magnetic fields which are concentrated at a location near one position on the coil and reduced at locations near other positions on the coil. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention a variable resistance switch is used to control the shape of the induced pulses.
A method using a precisely controlled, computer programmable stimulus for neuroselective tissue stimulation that does not leave a sufficient voltage or electrical artifact on the tissue being stimulated that would interfere or prevent a monitoring system from recording the physiological response is utilized to evaluate the physiological conduction of the tissue being studied. A computer controls both the waveform, duration and intensity of the stimulus. An output trigger to the nerve response recording component controls the timing of its operation. A neuroselective nervous tissue response latency and amplitude may be determined. The computer controlled stimulus may also be administered for therapeutic purposes.
A method for treating living tissues with electromagnetic fields by subjecting the tissues to be treated with an electromagnetic field that varies as a function of time, and without the need for a corresponding static magnetic field, is provided.
A magnetic stimulator for neuro-muscular tissue uses a stimulating coil and generates a succession of electrical discharge pulses from the coil to produce magnetic pulses which induce electrical signals in the tissue. The coil has at least one set of generally circular turns, and is disposed within a casing connected to a conduit through which extend cables for the supply of electrical power to the coil. The conduit and casing allow for the flow of gaseous coolant around and over exposed surfaces of the coil, though the casing and along the conduit.
