Inventors:
Kent R. Davey - New Smyrna Beach FL
Charles M. Epstein - Atlanta GA
Assignee:
Neotonus, Inc. - Marietta GA
International Classification:
A61N 100
US Classification:
600 13, 600 29, 128DIG 25
Abstract:
A magnetic nerve stimulator system is comprised of a core constructed from a material having a high field saturation with a coil winding. A thyrister capacitive discharge circuit pulses the device. A rapidly changing magnetic field is guided by the core, preferably vanadium permendur. For task specific excitation of various nerve groups, specially constructed cores allow for excitation of nerves at deeper levels with higher efficiency than is possible with air-core stimulators. Among the applications possible with this invention are treatment of incontinence, rehabilitation of large muscle groups in the leg and arm, and excitation of abdominal wall muscle groups to aid in weight loss and metabolic rate increase. A C-shape is employed for focussing the stimulation as desired.