Cardiac changes due to electronic control devices? A computer-based analysis of electrical effects at the human heart caused by an ECD pulse applied to the body's exterior.
Electronic control devices (ECDs) deliver high-voltage, low-current energy pulses temporarily paralyzing a person. For the ECD-human interaction, we have developed a computer model using the SEMCAD program within which to simulate the electrical effects throughout the body resulting from the imposition of an ECD pulse at a particular point on the body surface. Our human body models were based on cross-sectional MRIs and CT scans, with the dielectric properties of the various tissues assigned based on previously published values. We simulated the application of a single ECD pulse and calculated the resulting electric field strength and current and charge densities at different body locations. The results were compared with corresponding values obtained by other researchers in similar simulations. Furthermore, we simulated an application of a pulse of 20-millisecond duration equal to the European household current of 50 Hz and to the ventricular fibrillation threshold. The resulting current level indicated at the heart muscle was 1/5 the level considered the threshold for triggering ventricular fibrillation.
IFFB Gerichtsmedizin und Forensische Neuropsychiatrie, Paris-Lodron Universität Salzburg, Ignaz-Harrer-Str. 79, 5020 Salzburg, Austria.
Sebastian N
SN
Kunz
Julia
J
Aronshtam
Hans-Rolf
HR
Tränkler
Sybille
S
Kraus
Matthias
M
Graw
Oliver
O
Peschel
D001824:Body Constitution / Q000502:physiology; D002320:Cardiovascular Physiological Phenomena; D003198:Computer Simulation; D004558:Electric Stimulation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D005260:Female; D006321:Heart / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008955:Models, Cardiovascular; D014693:Ventricular Fibrillation / Q000503:physiopathology
SEMCAD; TASER
®; electronic control device; forensic science; simulation; ventricular fibrillation