Detailed model of the thorax as a volume conductor based on the visible human man data

Abstract

A large number of computerized conductivity models of the human thorax have been created to study bioelectric phenomena in human beings. Devised models have varied greatly in the level of anatomical detail incorporated thus restricting the accuracy and validity of conducted simulations. This paper introduces a highly detailed anatomically accurate three-dimensional computer model of the conductive anatomy of the human thorax for calculating electric fields generated by equivalent bioelectric sources and different externally applied sources. The anatomy of the devised model is based on high resolution colour cryosection images of the US National Library of Medicine's Visible Human Man data set and is comprised of more anatomical detail than prior computer models. The model is based on the finite difference method and is readily applicable for the analysis of a wide range of biomedical field problems, such as electrocardiography, impedance cardiography, tissue stimulations, and especially, in development of measurement systems.