A powerful magnetic stimulator for medical applications

This paper describes the development of a prototype high-energy supply system for producing high-intensity electric and magnetic field impulses for use in medical applications. After presenting the technical requirements and the main design features, the paper focuses on the numerical modeling of the double-coil arrangement that produces the impulses. Predicted time variations of both the circuit currents and the spatial and temporal variations of the electric and magnetic field distributions are compared with full-scale experimental results from the prototype system. Methods of increasing the field intensities are also suggested and results from an optimized design are presented. These indicate an ability to stimulate physical structures such as the renal pacemaker, resulting in a ureteric peristalsis wave. Recent experimental findings are presented from what is probably the most powerful magnetic stimulator so far built, and the practical applications of the work are discussed.