A Cost-Benefits Analysis of Different Transducer Components for Simultaneous Trans-Spinal Magnetic and Low-Intensity...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Neuroscience
• Medical Devices

Background:

• Chronic neuropathic pain, a leading indication for spinal cord stimulation (SCS), often involves invasive procedures with surgical risks.
• Existing SCS methods, while effective, present challenges such as invasiveness and potential complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a novel multimodal device for safer, non-invasive neuromodulation.
• To combine low-intensity focused ultrasound (LiFU) with trans-spinal magnetic stimulation (TSMS) for improved therapeutic options.

Main Methods:

• A multimodal device integrating a LiFU transducer and a TSMS coil was designed, incorporating a thermal sensor for safety.
• Finite element method (FEM) simulations estimated electric fields in the spinal cord, validated by dB/dt measurements.
• Electromagnetic impedance measurements analyzed transducer performance under various loading conditions.

Main Results:

• Peak electric field magnitudes in rat spinal cord were recorded: 225 V/m (postloaded), 324 V/m (preloaded), and 429 V/m (unloaded).
• The study provided insights into design trade-offs for optimizing simultaneous TSMS and LiFU neuromodulation.
• Performance variations were observed based on transducer loading conditions.

Conclusions:

• The developed technology offers a safer, non-invasive, non-pharmacological alternative for chronic pain management.
• This multimodal approach has the potential to transform care for neuropathic pain patients.
• Enables the first non-invasive multimodal thoracic spinal cord stimulation for conditions like sciatica.