Electrical Stimulation and Electrode Properties. Part 1: Clinical Electrodes

ABSTRACT. Few studies have addressed the changes that can occur in clinical electrodes during high amplitude electrical stimulation. In this study, the response of some common clinical electrodes to various types of electrical stimulation was investigated. This included studies of the effect of pulse and direct currents, design and material of electrode, and the effects of voltage and current levels. There were significant changes to the weight and shape of a stainless steel anode during stimulation that were more dramatic as the duration of the stimulus pulse increased and were most severe with direct current (DC) stimuli. Pulse stimulus currents below 5 mA did not result in any stimulation related changes and pulse durations less than 1 msec did not produce any changes in the electrode. Not all effects of stimulation were on the electrode itself. Stimulation did also have a significant effect on the electrode lead-wire connection as well, depending on the details of the manufacture of the electrode.