Stimulaatori

Stimulaatori is a Finnish term used for devices that deliver electrical, magnetic, or chemical stimuli to biological tissue in order to evoke a response or alter physiological function. In medical contexts, stimulators can be implanted inside the body or used externally, and they are employed for therapeutic or research purposes.

The category includes implantable devices such as pacemakers and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators that regulate heart rhythm, deep brain stimulators for movement disorders or certain psychiatric conditions, spinal cord stimulators for chronic pain, cochlear implants that restore a sense of sound for some deaf or hard-of-hearing people, and retinal or other neural prostheses that aim to restore function after vision loss. Non-implantable stimulators include devices like transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) units, electrical muscle stimulators (EMS), and magnetic stimulation techniques such as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). These devices may target nerves, muscles, or brain regions, and can be used for therapy, rehabilitation, or clinical research.

Typical operation involves delivering controlled electrical or magnetic pulses with adjustable parameters such as amplitude, duration, frequency, and pulse shape. Modern stimulators are often programmable and may be tuned to individual patient needs, with considerations for battery life, lead placement, and tissue response. Safety, regulatory approval, and follow-up monitoring are important aspects, as there are risks including infection, device malfunction, lead problems, and adverse tissue reactions. Stimulaatori encompass a broad range of technologies that support diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life in various medical conditions.