Electric field plethysmography signals of the human thorax as determined by a 2-D FE-model

Electric field plethysmography (EFPG) signals of the human thorax consist of a baseline component, a respiratory component and a cardiac component. This paper investigates to what extent a two-dimensional finite-element model of the human thorax can serve as a tool for signal prediction allowing for both optimisation of electrode position and effective signal interpretation. In the model inspiration is taken into account by decreasing lung conductivity. Modelling of cardiac activity involves heart geometry changes and lung conductivity increase. Comparison with experiments shows that the model is more effective for strip than spot electrodes for current injection. Modelling results suggest that the thorax behaves approximately as a homogeneous structure with an inspiratory conductivity increase of about 5%. Two electrode pairs are preferable for monitoring respiration in general. As cardiac activity involves two counter-acting signal sources in the thorax, optimum electrode position is obtained using four separated electrodes. However, recommendable positions for two electrode pairs are on the left sternal and right parasternal line. The investigation shows that in providing a proper modelling of respiration and cardiac activity, a 2-D model provides a practical tool for modelling EFPG signals with the cost of a few structural and systematical restrictions.