The Effect of Internal Electrodes on Electrical Impedance Tomography Sensitivity

Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) creates images of the internal conductivity, normally using only body surface electrodes. There has been little investigation of internal electrodes, however an internal electrode position promises to increase sensitivity in the most central regions of the chest to improve impedance imaging of the inner regions of the lung and heart. This paper investigates EIT sensitivity in simulation with various internal electrode positions. Results show in increased sensitivity in internal regions which is promising for imaging pulsatile activity within the heart.