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Electrical stimulation of the spinal cord: a further analysis relating to anatomical factors and tissue properties

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Abstract

The midsagittal plane of the human thorax is represented by a two-dimensional finite-element model. Solutions of steady-state potential fields of bipolar epidural stimulation are computer generated. Effects of biological tissue conductivity and geometry on the fields are studied. Interpretations in terms of current density show that variations of bone conductivity have little influence on the fields. For constant current stimulation, the presence of the tough dura mater, irrespective of its thickness, does not seem to be significant. In contrast, the crucial factor affecting the field is the width of subarachnoid space which contains the highly conductive cerebrospinal fluid.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Brunel University, Uxbridge, Middx., England

    W. K. Sin & B. Coburn

  2. Wessex Neurological Centre, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, Hants, England

    W. K. Sin & B. Coburn

Authors
  1. W. K. Sin
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  2. B. Coburn
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Sin, W.K., Coburn, B. Electrical stimulation of the spinal cord: a further analysis relating to anatomical factors and tissue properties. Med. Biol. Eng. Comput. 21, 264–269 (1983). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02478492

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02478492

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