Transmembrane voltages caused by magnetic fields – Numerical study of schematic cell models

Abstract

Due to forthcoming use of MPI on humans there is an urgent need for a thorough research on possible adverse effects of this technique on patients' health. However, the health impact of exposure to time-varying magnetic fields in a frequency range between 10 kHz and 100 MHz, such as the MPI drive field, are still poorly investigated. The current paper intends to give an overview on an in-silico approach to investigation of stimulating effects that could be caused by the MPI drive field. For this purpose, cell models of myocardiocyte, myocyte and neurocyte, as well as a suitable setup for the simulation of the exposure to time-varying magnetic fields have been developed. The evaluation of performed simulations was carried out on the basis of transmembrane voltage elevation and induced current densities.