Thoracic electrical impedance tomography using a two-plane electrode configuration in horses

Area of Science:

• Pulmonary physiology
• Medical imaging technology
• Veterinary diagnostics

Background:

• Traditional one-plane (oneP) electrical impedance tomography (EIT) imaging is limited to central lung areas, potentially skewing ventilation assessments.
• Two-plane (twoP) EIT offers a promising advancement for more comprehensive and representative lung imaging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the accuracy of ventilation distribution imaging between two-plane (twoP) and one-plane (oneP) electrical impedance tomography (EIT).

Main Methods:

• Utilized computational modeling with a finite element simulation to assess sensitivity.
• Conducted an in vivo exploratory randomized experimental trial in 20 standing horses.
• Collected and analyzed EIT data at baseline and during dynamic respiratory challenges (stance variations, rebreathing).

Main Results:

• Simulation demonstrated superior vertical sensitivity distribution with twoP EIT compared to oneP EIT.
• In vivo analysis showed significantly higher regional ventilation (∆Z) and centers of ventilation (CoV) in dorsal and ventral regions with twoP EIT at baseline.
• Both configurations showed increased tidal impedance variation (TIV) and CoV during rebreathing, with twoP EIT maintaining a more uniform distribution.

Conclusions:

• Two-plane (twoP) EIT reconstructions yield a more vertically uniform ventilation representation in both simulated and in vivo settings.
• This enhanced uniformity suggests that twoP EIT provides a more accurate depiction of peripheral lung field ventilation.