A pulsed-power supply for producing high-intensity magnetic and electric fields in medical applications

This paper details the development of a prototype high-power supply system for producing high-intensity magnetic and electric field impulses to be used in medical applications. After outlining the technical requirements and the main design features of the power source, the paper focuses on the numerical modelling of the double-coil design that is used. Theoretical predictions of the time history of the currents in the circuit, and of the spatial and temporal variations of the electric and magnetic field distributions, are compared with experimental results obtained during full-power testing of the system. Different techniques are proposed by which the field intensities can be increased, and corresponding numerical simulations are presented. Initial physiological experiments have been performed with the prototype system. These have demonstrated the ability to stimulate structures such as the renal pacemaker, resulting in a ureteric peristallic wave. The practical implications of this are discussed.