Detecting Skin Burns Induced by Surface Electrodes

Abstract

The origin of electrical burns under gel-type surface electrodes is a controversial topic that is not well understood. To investigate the phenomenon, we have developed an excised porcine skin+gel model. In the present paper, we describe methods to detect these burns in the skin+gel model in an effort to understand the genesis of these burns. Burns were induced by severe electrical stimulation and changes in the impedance spectra and current density measured. We found that the changes in impedance spectrum were characterized by significant drop in the low frequency (<1 kHz) impedance magnitude and the formation of wells in the skin. Low frequency current density imaging (LFCDI) revealed regions of high current density beneath the electrode before burns were induced suggesting the possibility of predicting the locations where wells from burns will form and the importance of current density and local tissue impedance in the formation of these burns.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 25, 2001
Accession Number
ADA409556

Entities

People

  • A. Patriciu
  • K. Yoshida
  • M. L. Joy
  • T. P. Demonte

Organizations

  • Aalborg University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Advanced Electronics
  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Abstracts
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Burns
  • Current Density
  • Electrical Conductivity
  • Electrodes
  • Engineering
  • Epidermis
  • Frequency
  • Health Services
  • Impedance
  • Magnetic Resonance
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Measurement
  • Phase Diagrams
  • Skin
  • Tissues

Readers

  • Atmospheric Science / Meteorology, specifically Wind Wave Turbulence.
  • Electrochemical Engineering/ Fuel Cell Technologies
  • Trauma Surgery or Emergency Medicine.