Design and Development of Microneedle Electrodes for Automated External Defibrillators

The demand for increased accessibility and effectiveness of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) exists due to the life-threatening nature of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). Timely access to AEDs can significantly increase the chances of survival in individuals experiencing SCA. Traditional AEDs are bulky and difficult to transport, primarily because of the battery size required to overcome transthoracic impedance (TTI). This study assessed the feasibility of microneedle (MN) electrodes to reduce the TTI and hence improve AED portability. An electrode prototype was developed, consisting of eight arrays of microneedles attached to a 3D printed flexible base. A circuit measuring interelectrode resistance was created to mimic an operational AED while also providing a quantitative measurement of the electrode–skin interface resistance. Testing was conducted on human chest skin. The MN electrode demonstrated a 24% reduction in human transthoracic skin resistance compared to conventional AED pads, suggesting the potential for improved AED effectiveness and portability. These findings indicate the potential for reduced device size, although further research is needed to validate the broader implications.