MagVenture's system solution for double-blinded clinical studies has been developed in response to requests from researchers wanting to perform double-blinded multi-center studies in rTMS for depression. It addresses requirements for efficacy, accuracy and consistency. The system solution can naturally be used for double-blinded studies in other research areas such as stroke rehabilitation. 

The MagLink software program is used by the principal investigator to define the treatment protocol for each patient enrolled in the study. This includes defining whether a given patient is to receive real or sham treatment. When the protocol has been defined it is downloaded to a Patient Key (USB memory device) which is sent to the center/site where the patient is to receive treatment. For a protocol example click here.

MagLink is also used to define the user rights of the individual operators - ranging from performing only the defined treatment protocol to full access to all stimulator functionalities when not performing Motor Threshold (MT) determination or treatments according to the protocol.  

When performing MT or actual treatment of patients, both Operator Key and Patient Key need to be inserted in the two USB connectors on the MagPro. 

For MT determination, a suitable coil is selected in MagLink, typically C-B60. When MT has been determined the stimulator output level is stored on the Patient Key. In MagLink the treatment level is defined as a factor of MT - 1.2 as an example. 

For treatments, MagLink will require use of the Cool-B65 A/P coil which has a built-in position sensor used to ensure that the correct (active or sham) side of the coil faces towards the patient's head. If the coil position is wrong the operator will get a "Flip Coil" prompt on the MagPro screen. To ensure best possible blinding of patients the current stimulation provided with the Cool-B65 A/P coil should be used to stimulate the patient's skin. 

When a treatment is completed, the treatment data are stored on both the Patient Key and the Operator Key. At the end of the study Patient Keys are returned to the principal investigator for data analysis.  

To ensure comfortable seating of patients a treatment chair is included in the system. To ensure a stable and comfortable position of the patient's head the chair has a custom-designed head rest designed for use with a vacuum pillow. For information on additional system components, see the accessories section.