Characterization of a bionic electrolocation sensor using finite element modeling

In this paper, a novel bionic 17-electrode catheter sensor is introduced, which can be used for coronary diagnostics. The sensor was characterized by finite element modeling using the multiphysics software COMSOL. In addition, the sensor was used to measure a small spherical metal or plastic target protruding into a Plexiglas tubing representing an artery and a plaque, respectively. Both approaches showed that it is possible to detect and localize an object in the tube wall and discriminate between metal and plastic objects.