Future

Recommendations and Future Directions

The circuit design made of an at-home use TMS device has a large range in future growth. The current circuit design does not have the capability of increasing output current and holding the proper waveform with further alteration of the chosen components. The visible option for growth is implementing a high current producing circuit with a possible switch to control the firing rate in unison. The overall size of the circuit has to be kept into consideration when developing the design, as the device will need to be a convenient size for someone to have within their home. Following the schematics of the circuit being built on Multisim, the circuit will need to be tested for functionality to determine all parts will work together properly without shorting and burning out. This can be done by building the same structured circuit with all components scaled down, that way if an error occurs the current is produced at a safer lower level. Once the desired current is successfully obtained the future goal of the device would be to determine how to alter the time period of the firing rate; that way the built general TMS device can be used for the wide spectrum of patient needs. Finally the design will have to go through extensive experimental testing to ensure it functions properly and is safe for any user.

Ethical Considerations

This device aims to simplify TMS design and bypass physician oversight on a procedure that is under researched and not widely implemented. As a result, we foresee multiple ethical dilemmas arising when tackling an overall at home TMS device. These arise when the device undergoes patient testing due to primarily safety concerns. The alteration of neurological pathways is highly debated among professionals as it is potentially dangerous, with the possible side affects not being fully known. Testing the device on patients could produce negative results, halting the project and impacting the patients lives. Extensive assurance of safety and proper testing must occur before testing is to commence. Furthermore, the device must be handled by patients alone without a physician which could pose possibilities of misuse, both accidental and intentional. Improper device design, child tampering, and attempt to overuse the device are possibly outcomes from a lack of physician oversight. However this device aims to help treat up to one fifth of the world population, and while ethical concerns are guaranteed to arise, addressing them promptly will produce the best results; ensuring many individuals lives are drastically improved.

Leader: Jacob Zeltner