SAINT Protocol TMS
A New Protocol for Treatment Resistant Depression
The SAINT Protocol TMS system uses functional MRI to map out an individual’s brain connectivity to identify the optimal anatomic region for the condensed course of magnetic stimulation.
- SAINT protocol is 1800 pulses of iTBS done every hour, 10 times a day, for 5 days.
- SAINT uses a resting functional connectivity MRI to specify the treatment target.
- Response rate of 93% and remission rate of 66% at 5 days after the treatment.
SAINT is now FDA-cleared. It is available now at BrainHealth Solutions
The Magnus Medical Neuromodulation System with SAINT technology is the only FDA cleared system to use an FDA-cleared algorithm and process to map individual brain networks and select an individualized treatment target for treatment of MDD. Any clinic that is not directly supported by Magnus is using an unregulated process to derive treatment targets from an MRI or fMRI. Moreover, in addition to having absolutely no medical regulation, these other clinics are using a treatment that has not been rigorously tested in peer-reviewed and FDA-reviewed clinical trials.
Applying the SAINT (Stanford Accelerated Intelligent Neuromodulation Therapy) treatment. STEVE FISCH/STANFORD MEDICINE
Through the work at Stanford and Magnus, neuroimaging teams have spent the past decade developing and testing the SAINT targeting and treatment approach. The fMRI processing requires extremely high quality scans that are only available at select university neuroimaging centers, and the individualized brain mapping uses hundreds of thousands of lines of code that are written and maintained by a fulltime team of over a dozen specialist scientists and engineers. The processing of a single brain map takes cloud-based supercomputers about 12 hours of time to produce. Moreover, the 80-90% remission rates in severe treatment resistant depression have been peer reviewed by multiple independent scientific groups and the FDA. There is simply no other system or targeting process we are aware of that comes anywhere close to the level of rigor that produced, maintains, and continues to improve upon the SAINT Protocol TMS System.
Finally, Magnus uses a strict protocol that all clinics must adhere to for the fMRI, the mapping/targeting process, and the delivery of treatment. This is because SAINT is a veritable regulated medical product, while anything else is something made up without any regulatory processes to ensure it is safe or effective.
Resources:
https://psychiatryresource.com
https://www.nsmedicaldevices.com
https://www.medicaldevice-network.com
Downloads:
What is Major Depressive Disorder?
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is a good candidate for the SAINT Protocol TMS?
The SAINT Protocol is designed for individuals with treatment-resistant major depressive disorder who have not responded adequately to multiple antidepressant medications or standard therapies. Final eligibility is determined through a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation to ensure the protocol is appropriate and medically safe for each patient.
How is the SAINT Protocol different from standard TMS therapy?
While traditional TMS follows a fixed treatment target and schedule, the SAINT Protocol uses advanced neuroimaging–guided personalization and a highly accelerated treatment timeline. This allows clinicians to tailor stimulation to each patient’s brain connectivity, potentially leading to faster and more robust symptom relief.
How soon can patients expect to notice changes with the SAINT Protocol?
Some patients report noticeable changes in mood or thought patterns during or shortly after the 5-day treatment period. Individual response times vary, and continued improvement may occur in the days and weeks following completion as the brain adapts to the stimulation.
Are there additional safety considerations with accelerated TMS protocols?
The SAINT Protocol follows strict FDA-cleared guidelines and is delivered under close medical supervision. Patients are monitored throughout treatment to ensure tolerability, and safety protocols are in place due to the condensed nature of the therapy. A thorough medical screening is performed before treatment begins.
What happens after completing the SAINT Protocol?
After treatment, patients typically transition into a follow-up phase that may include continued psychiatric care, therapy, or medication adjustments as needed. Our staff will help determine next steps based on symptom response and long-term mental health goals.