MAGNETO: Magnetic Actuators and Neural Engineering for TMS Optimisation

Lead Research Organisation: University of Oxford
Department Name: UNLISTED

Abstract

The overall aim of this collaborative project is to integrate the 'extended' transcranial magnetic stimulation (xTMS) research tool, built in the MRC Brain Network Dynamics Unit, with research at the MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit and MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders. The xTMS system provides unrivalled opportunities to perturb physiological systems in the living human brain in health and disease (as highlighted as a key research tool needed in the 2021 MRC Unit and Centre Portfolio Review), and catalyses interdisciplinary projects spanning engineering, fundamental biomedicine and clinical application across the UKRI ecosystem.

Technical Summary

The overall aim of this collaborative project is to integrate the 'extended' transcranial magnetic stimulation (xTMS) research tool, built in the MRC Brain Network Dynamics Unit, with research at the MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit and MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders. The xTMS system provides unrivalled opportunities to perturb physiological systems in the living human brain in health and disease (as highlighted as a key research tool needed in the 2021 MRC Unit and Centre Portfolio Review), and catalyses interdisciplinary projects spanning engineering, fundamental biomedicine and clinical application across the UKRI ecosystem.

Publications

10 25 50
publication icon
Ali K (2023) xTMS: A Pulse Generator for Exploring Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Therapies. in Conference proceedings. IEEE Applied Power Electronics Conference and Exposition

 
Description MAGNETO Collaboration with MRC CNDD, MRC CBU and Magstim 
Organisation Medical Research Council (MRC)
Department MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution We have developed a fully-programmable Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation device (xTMS) that allows for an extended range of user-defined pulse shapes/patterns to be delivered to the human brain. We are continuing to improve on the current prototype and build additional devices that will be provided, together with the engineering expertise, to the MRC CNDD and MRC CBU for them to deploy in translational research protocols, including work with patient groups.
Collaborator Contribution MRC CNDD researchers intend to exploit the xTMS device to modulate lower-frequency alpha in epilepsy patients to reduce seizure probability, and to modulate mu rhythms in autism to reduce tactile over-sensitivity. The MRC CBU will explore use of the xTMS device to generate "temporary inefficiencies" for modelling memory and language deficits, with an aim to enhance mental health and understand the fundamental neurocognitive effects of stimulation through novel combinations with neuroimaging. Magstim Ltd is the global leader in TMS systems. They are supporting the development of research systems in this project with bespoke TMS coils, design guidance, and direct investment in electronic subsystems. This project is also leveraging an MRC iCASE PhD studentship with Magstim.
Impact We are using the xTMS device in collaborative research with the MRC CNDD and MRC CBU. This collaboration is multidisciplinary, leveraging engineering, neurology and psychology.
Start Year 2022
 
Description MAGNETO Collaboration with MRC CNDD, MRC CBU and Magstim 
Organisation The Magstim Company Limited
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution We have developed a fully-programmable Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation device (xTMS) that allows for an extended range of user-defined pulse shapes/patterns to be delivered to the human brain. We are continuing to improve on the current prototype and build additional devices that will be provided, together with the engineering expertise, to the MRC CNDD and MRC CBU for them to deploy in translational research protocols, including work with patient groups.
Collaborator Contribution MRC CNDD researchers intend to exploit the xTMS device to modulate lower-frequency alpha in epilepsy patients to reduce seizure probability, and to modulate mu rhythms in autism to reduce tactile over-sensitivity. The MRC CBU will explore use of the xTMS device to generate "temporary inefficiencies" for modelling memory and language deficits, with an aim to enhance mental health and understand the fundamental neurocognitive effects of stimulation through novel combinations with neuroimaging. Magstim Ltd is the global leader in TMS systems. They are supporting the development of research systems in this project with bespoke TMS coils, design guidance, and direct investment in electronic subsystems. This project is also leveraging an MRC iCASE PhD studentship with Magstim.
Impact We are using the xTMS device in collaborative research with the MRC CNDD and MRC CBU. This collaboration is multidisciplinary, leveraging engineering, neurology and psychology.
Start Year 2022
 
Title Extended Trancranial Magnetic Stimulation (xTMS) device 
Description We have developed improved prototypes of an extended Trancranial Magnetic Stimulation (xTMS) device that is fully-programmable and allows for an extended range of user-defined pulse shapes/patterns to be delivered to the human brain. The xTMS device provides unprecedented pulse generation, control and sensing capabilities to perturb the brain for discovery science and clinical translation. 
Type Of Technology Systems, Materials & Instrumental Engineering 
Year Produced 2022 
Impact No definitive research impacts yet, but we are using the xTMS device in collaborative studies as part of the MAGNETO project funded by the 2021 MRC Unit and Centres Networking Call. Working with our technology licensing colleagues at Oxford University Innovation, we have licenced the xTMS hardware, electronics and model predictive control algorithms to an industry partner to deploy the xTMS device at a national/global scale.