Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2026

Impact of Intracardiac Neurons on Cardiac Electrophysiology and Arrhythmogenesis in an Ex Vivo Langendorff System
Published on: May 22, 2018
How epicardial electrodes influence the transmembrane potential during a strong shock
Abstract:
This paper analyzes a possible artifact that may corrupt experiments studying defibrillation of the heart. Our hypothesis is that surface recording electrodes can influence the transmembrane potential during a shock. In the vicinity of an electrode, current leaves the intracellular space to take advantage of the low resistance of the extracellular path, thereby depolarizing the tissue. We calculate the transmembrane potential induced around a circular electrode when exposed to a uniform electric field. The bidomain model represents the electrical behavior of the cardiac tissue, and we account for electrode polarization impedance. Our results show that adjacent regions of depolarization and hyperpolarization exist around the electrode, and that the induced depolarization is greater than 100 mV for a 0.5 mm radius silver-silver chloride electrode in a 500 V/m electric field. We conclude that surface electrodes may produce artifacts during experiments designed to study defibrillation-strength electrical shocks.
Related Concept Videos
Electrophysiology of Normal Cardiac Rhythm
Electrocardiogram
Three major waveforms are present in a typical ECG recording: the P wave, the QRS complex, and the T...
Correlation between ECG and Cardiac Cycle
A cardiac action potential originates in the SA node and spreads throughout the atria and the AV node in approximately 0.03 seconds. This results in the P wave in an ECG and triggers atrial contraction. The action potential is then briefly slowed at the AV node, allowing the atria to contract and fill the ventricles with blood before...
Cardiac Action Potential
The cardiac action potential process involves a series of phases characterized by the movement of ions across the cardiac cell membranes, leading to the depolarization and repolarization of the cardiac myocytes.
Ionic Basis of Cardiac Action Potentials
Electrocardiogram Fundamentals
An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a diagnostic tool for identifying cardiac conditions such as arrhythmias, conduction abnormalities, and myocardial ischemia.
Definition
An electrocardiogram (ECG) visualizes the heart's electrical activity by tracing the electrical movement associated with each heartbeat on a graph or monitor. As the heart beats, an electrical wave passes through it, correlating with the cardiac cycle events.
Parts of an ECG
An ECG utilizes electrodes on the skin to...
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation III: AED Use

