Optimization of the defibrillation current density in the heart region by a two-layer segmented electrode

Transthoracic defibrillation is a procedure applying high intensity electrical current through the thorax region by electrodes, in order to simultaneously activate most of the myocardial cells, thus enforcing them to reinstate a normal rhythm. A solution is proposed for analysis and synthesis of the current density distribution field in the heart region. In an attempt to reach uniform excitation of the greatest possible quantity of myocardial cells, a field image is searched for, with the J-vector uniformity distribution as a criterion. The finite element method and the method of approximating functions are used, as well as nonlinear programming. This approach resulted in designing a two-layer defibrillation electrode, with the layer applied to to the thorax divided in three different resistivity regions.