Benchmarking Electrical Stun Devices by Considering Electroporation

Abstract

Background: Electrical stun devices can be easily purchased on the market without knowing their potential risks. To date, no method has been available to measure the risk of ventricular fibrillation caused by general electrical stun devices. To solve this problem, we developed a new benchmarking procedure using a combination of a neuron model and an anatomical model, the latter of which was based on the finite element method. Results: The field strength dependent conductivity of muscle tissue up to 2 kV/cm was measured and included in the finite element method. It was set up to calculate the current density on the surface of the heart. The variable conductivity changes the current density distribution, induces the maximum current density on the heart surface. Two electrical stun devices were tested via this benchmarking procedure. The waveforms of the electrical stun devices significantly affected the risk of direct electrical stimulation to the heart from exposure to electrical stun devices. Conclusions: Potential human health risks from general electrical stun devices were not fully discussed or clearly defined in previous studies. The novel benchmarking procedure in our study provides a means to assess the risk of ventricular fibrillation posed by individual electrical stun devices. By considering the field strength-dependent conductivity of muscle tissue and the waveforms of the electrical stun devices, the risk of the devices can be more accurately estimated.