Source parameter estimation in inhomogeneous volume conductors of arbitrary shape

It is demonstrated that the use of a direct matrix inverse in the solution of the forward problem in volume conduction problems greatly facilitates the application of standard, nonlinear parameter estimation procedures for finding the strength as well as the location of the current source inside an inhomogeneous volume conductor of arbitrary shape from potential measurements at the outer surface (inverse procedure). This, in turn, facilitates the inclusion of a priori constraints. Where possible, the performance of the method is compared to that of the Gabor-Nelson method. Applications are in the field of bioelectricity (e.g. electrocardiography and electroencephalography).