Influence of bad contact electrode on electrical impedance tomography data quality: a perspective of clinical application

• DOI: 10.1088/1361-6501/adb44c
• Publication Date: 2025-02-10T22:51:11Z
• Authors: Sini He; Jia Li Yuan; Meng Dai; Zhanqi Zhao; Peng Peng; Tian Liu; Junhong Jiang; Lin Yang; Chuanxue Wen
• Keywords: Electrical Impedance Tomography

Abstract Abstract
Background: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of bad contact electrodes on quality electrical impedance tomography (EIT) data and reliability lung ventilation imaging.
Methods: Thirty healthy volunteers were examined using EIT under normal relaxed tidal breathing in a supine position. The five electrode-skin conditions (C1 C5) for electrode No. 2 defined by systematically varying area. Specifically, C1 represented full contact, C2 covered 25% surface, C3 50%, C4 75%, C5 involved completely covering with an insulating material simulate high impedance. Three scenarios (SA, SB, SC) established: SA maintained stability, SB simulated variations SC introduced dynamic changes during single breath cycle. parameter-based deviation scores used assess spatial temporal distributions across Bland-Altman plot was assessment image quality.
Results: Deviation consistently hovered around 0.0, except C5, which exhibited score 8.5 ± 4.0. In contrast, displayed significantly higher scores, recording lowest at 4.0 absolute differences variation between remained minimal all conditions. However, significant emerged from onwards, where notable shift left-right distribution observed. 
Conclusions: Changes impact data. While within stable range has effect, fluctuations cycle compromise quality.