When considering what TMS device should I buy, it’s essential to evaluate multiple factors that align with the needs of your clinic and patients. While several Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) devices are available on the market, this guide will focus on features that distinguish one TMS system from another without naming other brands directly. Below are the critical features to consider, using Blossom TMS by SEBERS Medical as the main reference.
Key Factors to Consider When Asking “What TMS Device Should I Buy”
1. Ease of Use
A good TMS device should be intuitive and easy to operate for clinicians. Blossom TMS, for example, integrates a touchscreen interface that simplifies navigation through protocols and patient data. This reduces the learning curve and improves workflow efficiency. Additionally, the device features a quiet operation, which enhances both the clinician and patient experience by minimizing distractions from noise during treatment.
2. Coil Cooling Technology
Many TMS devices use either air-cooling or liquid-cooling systems to maintain optimal performance during treatment sessions. Devices like Blossom TMS use an oil-cooled coil, which ensures continuous and consistent operation, even in busy clinics with back-to-back sessions. This is a key advantage, as the coil remains at a comfortable temperature throughout extended sessions, preventing downtime and ensuring patient comfort. The quiet coil technology also makes the experience less intrusive for patients.
3. Treatment Protocols
Most TMS devices are cleared for the 10 Hz protocol, which is commonly used to treat Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). However, some systems, like Blossom TMS, are also capable of handling more advanced protocols such as intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation (iTBS), even though they may currently only be FDA cleared for 10 Hz. The ability to switch between these protocols is a feature to keep in mind for future-proofing your device as more protocols become available and approved.
4. Patient Comfort
Comfort during treatment is paramount, as patients typically undergo multiple sessions over several weeks. Blossom TMS has been designed with patient comfort in mind, featuring an ergonomic chair with a massage function and a HeadNest™ head positioning system to stabilize the patient’s head during treatment. This reduces movement and enhances the accuracy of treatment delivery, ensuring that the magnetic pulses target the correct brain areas.
5. Affordability and Business Model
Cost is always a major factor when investing in medical equipment. Some devices have high upfront costs and ongoing pay-per-use fees. In contrast, Blossom TMS is priced competitively, offering no pay-per-use costs or consumable fees, making it a more affordable option for clinics looking to manage long-term operational costs. This can be particularly advantageous for growing practices that want to offer cutting-edge treatment without the burden of continuous fees.
6. Clinical Efficiency
Blossom TMS is designed to deliver efficient, back-to-back sessions thanks to its oil-cooling system. This feature is particularly beneficial for high-volume clinics that need to treat multiple patients in a day. Other devices may require downtime between sessions for coil cooling or maintenance, but the Blossom system’s cooling technology prevents such interruptions, allowing for consistent and reliable operation throughout the day.
7. Technical Support and Training
Adequate training and support are essential for any TMS system. Blossom TMS provides comprehensive training for clinicians, covering both the operation of the device and clinical best practices. Additionally, the support system includes online resources and direct assistance for troubleshooting and optimizing the device. This ensures that clinics can maximize the potential of the technology and offer effective treatment to their patients.
8. Neuronavigation Compatibility
For clinics looking to enhance precision in treatment delivery, some devices offer neuronavigation capabilities, which allow clinicians to map the brain and ensure that the magnetic pulses are precisely targeting the correct areas. While this feature may not be essential for all clinics, it’s a valuable addition for practices that want to offer highly tailored treatments. Blossom TMS can be upgraded with neuronavigation for clinics that require this level of precision.
Conclusion
If you’re asking what TMS device should I buy for your clinic, Blossom TMS offers a high-performance solution for treating MDD. When choosing a TMS device, it’s important to balance cost, ease of use, patient comfort, and clinical efficiency. Blossom TMS stands out for its affordability, minimal operational costs, advanced cooling technology, and patient-centric design. It’s a solid choice for clinics seeking a high-performance system for treating MDD with room for future growth in advanced protocols.