The finite-element (FE) method is used to analyze and determine the potential distribution produced by implanted stimulating electrodes used in conjunction with an implanted defibrillator. The FE solution is obtained by solving the Laplace equations based on a Galerkin procedure. An infinite cylindrical model, having three coaxial layers of tissue with two electrodes, is used to show preliminary results of the FE model. An analytical procedure is developed and used to validate the FE results. The FE solution is in good correlation with the analytical results. This model can be utilized to estimate the potential distribution and potential gradients on the heart for various electrode sizes and configurations for a given shock strength.
