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Biomedical subjects

M A Chilbert

Publications and source records attributed to M A Chilbert.

4 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1989

Fibrillation induced at powerline current levels.

Electrical fibrillation of the human heart results in many unfortunate deaths. Because little information is available on short duration high current fibrillation, current levels below 1 and 50 A were used to induce ventricular fibrillation in hogs. Application times ranged between 16 ms and 3 s. Fibrillation was only produced when currents were applied during the T-wave period of the cardiac cycle. However, only 50 percent of the current application during the T-wave caused fibrillation. The total body resistance of the hogs was also measured at the high voltages and currents. The average resistance for 90 current applications was 284 omega. Trends in the data show that the total resistance decreases for increasing voltage, for increasing electrode size, and for current applications following the first current application.

Animals↗
PubMed1985

Comparison of the failure biomechanics of spinal fixation devices.

The failure biomechanics of Harrington distraction rods, modified Weiss springs, and Luque rods were studied in intact cadavers and isolated spinal columns using flexion-compression loading. Most spines fractured at T-11 or T-12 at applied loads ranging between 556 and 4220 newtons (mean = 1833 N). After Harrington distraction rod placement, the same spines failed at a mean load of 859 N (42% of control), always as a result of hook extrusion and often including lamina fracture (seven cases). When modified Weiss springs were used, the spines failed at a mean load of 1128 N (54% of control) by allowing the spine to bend to the initial failure angle; in most instances, deformities resolved when the load was reduced. Luque rods were tested in four specimens; these provided the most rigid stabilization and failed at 83% of control values. Modified Weiss springs often maintain spinal stability better than Harrington distraction rods.

Aged↗
PubMedDate not supplied

A probe for measuring current density during magnetic stimulation.

Time-varying magnetic fields induce currents in conductive media, and when the induced current is large enough in excitable tissue, stimulation occurs. This phenomenon has been applied to the human brain and peripheral nerves for diagnostic evaluation of the neural system. One important aspect that is presently unknown is the current level necessary in tissue for stimulation induced by magnetic fields. This study presents a method of measuring the induced current density from pulsed magnetic fields in vitro and in vivo. The current-density probe was inserted into three concentrations of saline and into the brains of ten anesthetized cats. Two stimulation systems with coils 9 cm and 5 cm in diameter were used. The two systems provided sinusoidal and pulsatile coil currents. Measurements made in saline were compared with those calculated theoretically for a semi-infinite medium. The measured values were within 5% of the calculated values. Measurements made in the cat brain showed a 67% decrease compared with the theoretic model. This variance is attributed to the finite bounds of the skull. The results indicate that direct measurement of current density is possible. Subsequent measurements will aid in the design of improved magnetic stimulation systems.

Animals↗