Simulation of a Magnetic Induction Method for Determining Passive Electrical Property Changes of Human Trunk Due to Vital Activities

Determining the changes in passive electrical properties of human tissues and the geometry changes of the body parts due to breathing and cardiac activity could be a method for monitoring these vital signs. We have designed a model with COMSOL Multiphysics to simulate a magnetic induction method for determining changes of these characteristics. Given the large number of parameters and variables, difficulties of anatomical modeling and various tissue properties, we are facing some numerical challenges. In addition, using magnetic induction method, we have to consider safety issues, standards and limitations. We used COMSOL to simulate the induced currents in the human body and the resulting perturbation in the magnetic field for different tissue properties and geometries. As a result, we obtained the expected changes during breathing and we know the minimum distances and maximum excitation currents that could be used to meet the international safety standards.