A new approach towards defibrillation electrodes: highly conductive isotropic carbon fibers

A new carbon fiber material was studied for its potential benefit in defibrillation electrodes. Miniaturization of the fiber production can result in small strands with extremely large surface areas. Two carbon fiber patches and a single carbon fiber bundle were used for the purposes of this study, and the results were compared to those obtained with conventional titanium/mesh patch electrodes. Tests performed in a saline filled tank revealed considerably lower resistances through the carbon material when compared to standard mesh electrodes. There was also a higher peak current flow with lower voltage. The carbon fibers exhibited lower impedance for defibrillation and this may be related to low polarization known to occur with carbon materials. This new carbon material may prove to be useful and further research is required.