Current distribution in a 3-D thorax model for impedance cardiography

A 658-element, three-dimensional finite-element model of the thorax and neck using eight-node trilinear hexahedron elements was constructed for investigating the current distribution in the thorax. A three-dimensional finite-element code was developed to solve the generalized Laplace equation with Dirichlet and homogeneous Neumann boundary conditions. The current in each element was calculated from the potentials at the eight nodes. The results suggest that the current density in each organ is approximately proportional to its conductivity.<
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