Modifying potential gradients with pentapolar transvenous defibrillation electrodes in a saline tank

Multielement transvenous defibrillation electrodes, with independent control of current through each element, were used to explore the effect of electrode current distribution on far field potential gradient in a saline tank. In the clinical setting, the potential gradient far from the electrode determines the efficacy of a defibrillation shock. Substantial differences in electrode current distribution have a small but measurable effect on far field potential gradients