4 Things to Look for in a TMS Device

We at Caputron offer a wide variety of stimulation treatment devices for the mind as well as a number of compatible, high-quality accessories. But do you know about all forms of treatment available? One of them, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), is sometimes confused with others including CES and tDCS, but it offers a completely different experience to the user.

Today, let’s aid you in your search for a TMS device by highlighting the key factors you need to consider before purchasing.

FDA Clearance (or at Least Pending)

TMS in itself has been widely used in treating various mental health complications over the years. However, that doesn’t mean the specific device you’re looking at is FDA-cleared for your desired use case. Always narrow your search to devices that are either already cleared by the FDA or undergoing testing to secure certification. This is important for ensuring you enjoy a safe, optimized treatment experience that delivers what it promises.

Quality

Ensuring you have a well-made system that is dependable, safe, and proven to deliver the results you want ties into the FDA-clearance aspect, but this also represents a quality you can count on. Devices such as Caputron partner Brain Ultimate all-in-one solution utilize features such as closed-loop technology and a long lifespan, even with more unique components such as this specific device’s patented 24-hour-use cooling system.

User-Friendly Design

Ease of use translates to ease of application, and this is especially crucial when implementing brain stimulation solutions such as with a TMS device. Some, like the Brain Ultimate, are modular in design and offer true plug-and-play functionality, meaning there are fewer hurdles or complications to contend with. They may even come with dedicated patient database and UI software, come housed in a portable form factor, or incorporate no pay-per-session expenses. The more beneficial and streamlined the user experience, the more comfortable they will be during treatment. Plus, should clinicians consider an all-in-one TMS device, they themselves benefit from a complete solution that comes with everything needed to get to work.

Optimal Performance

The placement of the stimulative coils used to transmit current from a magnetic source is important; clinicians need to target key areas of the brain to induce certain positive effects. For instance, the Dorsal Lateral PreFrontal Cortex (DLPFC) region is FDA-cleared for treating MDD. Therefore, ensure the device you’re interested in supports the optimal adjustability and key performance aspects needed to deliver the results it promises. For more details, be sure to consult our TMS coil and mapping resources.

Another important aspect of performance to consider is compatibility and support for critical features. These parameters, depending on your intended use case, may include everything from EMG and neuronavigation compatibility to baked-in support for robotic arm attachments. Also, do they come with a chair in which the patient can sit, or is one sold separately, and is patient software provided? On top of this, there are different coil types to bear in mind – do you know whether you need an angulated or flat figure-eight design, for instance, or does the device use something less common? To get the performance you want out of any TMS device, you need to ensure it’s up to the task.

Today’s TMS devices are highly efficient, state-of-the-art, and built to last, but you need to be aware of what the optimal choice is for what you want to treat. For further assistance, consult our TMS device comparison chart. Or, if you’d like a hand in finding the right system for your needs, contact us at Caputron today. We’re glad to help you make an informed purchase decision!