Numerical Analyses of Circuit Constants and Eddy Current Distribution in the Brain in Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Using Eccentric Figure-eight Coils

Abstract

We previously proposed an eccentric figure-eight coil design which induces sufficient currents in the brain at lower output powers of stimulator. In the present study, numerical analyses were performed with various coil design parameters, such as outer and inner diameters and number of turns, to investigate the influence of these parameters on the eddy current distribution in the brain and the coil characteristics. Increases in the inner diameter, the outer diameter, and the number of turns caused increases in the induced currents. In order to downsize the stimulator system, we need to strengthen the eddy current in the brain, maintaining inductance as small as possible. Our results show that it is effective to enlarge outer diameter. In addition, there is only small difference in the eddy current distributions between the eccentric coil and the concentric coil in direction along with the coil plane and with depth of the brain.