Skin properties and the influence on electrode design for transcutaneous (surface) electrical stimulation

Thierry Keller*, Andreas Kuhn

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

    6 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Stimulation electrodes play an important role in interfacing the tissue with an electrical stimulation system. Between the electrode and the excitable tissues a number of obstacles in form of tissue resistivities are present. For transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TES) skin, fat and muscle tissue properties strongly influence current pathways and distribution. Some of these properties can be experimentally measured, but others are more difficult to be correctly assessed. Modeling can help to analyze and differentiate influences of structures and tissue properties on current pathways. However, non-linearities and active behavior of cellular structures need to be considered. Specifically for TES applications with rather high current densities as they occur in selective muscle stimulation active current pathways are important. Homogeneous electrode materials with high resistivities can improve current homogeneity through skin layers.

    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationWorld Congress on Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering
    Subtitle of host publicationNeuroengineering, Neural Systems, Rehabilitation and Prosthetics
    PublisherSpringer Verlag
    Pages492-495
    Number of pages4
    Edition9
    ISBN (Print)9783642038884
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2009
    EventWorld Congress on Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering: Neuroengineering, Neural Systems, Rehabilitation and Prosthetics - Munich, Germany
    Duration: 7 Sept 200912 Sept 2009

    Publication series

    NameIFMBE Proceedings
    Number9
    Volume25
    ISSN (Print)1680-0737

    Conference

    ConferenceWorld Congress on Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering: Neuroengineering, Neural Systems, Rehabilitation and Prosthetics
    Country/TerritoryGermany
    CityMunich
    Period7/09/0912/09/09

    Keywords

    • Current density
    • High impedance stimulation electrodes
    • Transcutaneous electrical stimulation

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