• Transactions on Electrical and Electronic Materials
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• 제15권1호
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• pp.28-31
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• 2014

This study aims to develop an electronic moxibustion device for the quantification of moxibustion, which progresses a critical role in traditional oriental medicine as well as to assess the characteristics of heating. The assessment revealed that the proposed electronic moxibustion treatment device can reduce the time required for reaching the desired heat level and continue to provide heat consistently. Moreover, heat transmitted to the treated area was found to correspond to a heating pattern of the proposed electronic moxibustion device. It proved both quantitative control and safe treatment for the proposed electronic moxibustion device.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• 제29권3호
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• pp.1-8
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• 2012

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to compare the skin temperature changes by the rechargeable and programmable electronic moxibustion device(EMD) with the traditional combustible moxibustion device(CMD). Methods : Skin temperature changes in six healthy volunteers induced by CMD and EMD were measured with digital infrared thermal imaging(DITI). Heat stimulation was applied on $LI_4$ and $TE_5$, and skin temperature changes on each point were measured at baseline and per minute for total 7 minutes, 2 minutes of heat stimulation and 5 minutes of observation. Results : There was no significant difference in the skin temperature changes between CMD and EMD. The temperature on $LI_4$ with EMD was $32.3{\pm}1.3^{\circ}C$ at baseline, $34.0{\pm}1.3^{\circ}C$ at 1 minute after heat stimulation start, $34.6{\pm}1.2^{\circ}C$ at 2 minutes after, and from 3 minutes after heat stimulation, it maintained $32.6{\sim}32.8^{\circ}C$. Conclusions : Methods for measuring skin temperature changes induced by heat stimulation of moxibustion were established, and the possibility of effectiveness of the newly developed electronic moxibustion device was raised with this preliminary study. This study can contribute to the development of clinical research methodology for traditional Korean medicine.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• 제35권1호
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• pp.36-40
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• 2018

Objectives : Electronic moxibustion was developed to overcome the weakness of conventional moxibution. However, in spite of many benefits, it also can not be entirely free from the concern of burning. This study was performed to investigate the proper treatment time of electronic moxibustion. Methods : Male sprague-Dawley rats weighing about 350 g were used. Animals were anesthetized with sodium pentobarbital and shaved on the abdomen or back. The full charged-electronic moxibustion device was placed on the shaved site and it was observed if there happened any adverse event after treatment. Results : At the temperatures of 41, 43, and $45^{\circ}C$ there was no abnormal sign after moxibustion even in full time. However, at $47^{\circ}C$, the safe treatment time was 3 min. On the other hand, $49^{\circ}C$ produced diverse adverse events even in 1 min. Conclusions : Results of the present study suggest that the safe treatment time of electronic moxibustion is different according to the temperature. The most common adverse effect in this electronic moxibustion was the white spot and it is needed to observe whether there is any adverse event until 48 h after treatment.

• 대한한의학회지
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• 제43권3호
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• pp.150-163
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• 2022

Objectives: This research aimed to develop a guideline for evaluating safety and performance of electronic warm-acupuncture apparatus. With the development of medical devices like electronic warm-acupuncture apparatus with improved performance, convenience and safety measures compared to traditional warm-acupuncture needling, safety and performance guideline is a necessity. Methods: By referring to existing standards and guidelines of other electronic devices for Korean medicine with heating function, guideline for safety and performance assessment of electronic warm-acupuncture apparatus was drafted Results: The guideline, presents explanation for adequate temperature and settings of the apparatus, and safety measurements providing against thermal runaway situations along with guidelines for the manual. Guideline for detailed test method for the performance of the apparatus such as accuracy of temperature increase and the timer, and safety unit was also provided. The test items and suggested test methods for the requirements of biological, electrical and electromagnetic safety were referred to Korean approval documents of ministry of Food and Drug Safety. Conclusion: We proposed the relevant items to verify performance and safety of warm-acupuncture apparatus to assure patient safety and improve the quality of currently developing devices for application in clinical field.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• 제40권4호
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• pp.184-193
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• 2023

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to understand the temperature characteristics depending on the thickness and material of the needle used with the Electronic Warm Acupuncture Device (EWAD). Methods : We controlled experimental environment and measured temperature changes of a silicon phantom in which K-type thermocouples were inserted at depths of 2, 7 mm. EWAD perfomed with acupuncture needles of various thicknesses (0.25×60 mm, 0.40×60 mm, and 0.50×60 mm) and materials (Gold 0.40×50 mm). We set non-needle (only heated with EWAD skin heater) group as a control group. Results : The maximum temperature and temperature changes of 0.40 mm, 0.50 mm needle group were significantly higher than the non-needle group. The highest temperature range in all needle groups was 0.50 mm needle group (41.44±0.31℃). However, the 0.25 mm needle group was not significantly different from the non-needle group. Maximum temperature of gold needle group was significantly higher than stainless steel needle group. Temperature changes of gold needle group were higher than stainless steel group at the depth of 7 mm. Conclusions : It was found that needle thickness and material of acupuncture had an effect on the temperature of the EWAD. When performing EWAD treatment, consideration of thickness and material of acupuncture is needed. Future research is needed using phantoms that can reflect actual clinical situations and better mimic the human body.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• 제28권2호
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• pp.49-55
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• 2011

Objectives : This study was to develop programmable and rechargeable electronic moxibustion device as an interdisciplinary research focusing on traditional Korean medicine. Methods : This device deployed several advances on safety and conveniences with the advantage of programmable heat stimulation, heating material and recharging method. The gradient of heat stimulation was programmed with the reference of previous studies and own measurements. The heat curve reached its efficacious stimulus temperature after three minutes, and maintained until 13 minutes with $42^{\circ}C$. We also incorporated feedback from field hospital experiences with the help of hospital staffs. Results : This device can prevent damages from skin burn and fire accidents, and control the smoke, smell and residue of moxa itself. Conclusions : This study will contribute for the development and improvement of efficacious and safe treatment methods for the traditional Korean medicine.

• 대한한의학회지
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• 제44권1호
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• pp.128-128
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• 2023

Objectives: This research aimed to develop a guideline for evaluating safety and performance of electronic warm-acupuncture apparatus. With the development of medical devices like electronic warm-acupuncture apparatus with improved performance, convenience and safety measures compared to traditional warm-acupuncture needling, safety and performance guideline is a necessity. Methods: By referring to existing standards and guidelines of other electronic devices for Korean medicine with heating function, guideline for safety and performance assessment of electronic warm-acupuncture apparatus was drafted Results: The guideline, presents explanation for adequate temperature and settings of the apparatus, and safety measurements providing against thermal runaway situations along with guidelines for the manual. Guideline for detailed test method for the performance of the apparatus such as accuracy of temperature increase and the timer, and safety unit was also provided. The test items and suggested test methods for the requirements of biological, electrical and electromagnetic safety were referred to Korean approval documents of ministry of Food and Drug Safety. Conclusion: We proposed the relevant items to verify performance and safety of warm-acupuncture apparatus to assure patient safety and improve the quality of currently developing devices for application in clinical field.