What defines a bipolar arrangement of electrodes?

A bipolar arrangement of electrodes is characterized by the positioning of two electrodes of the same size within the treatment area. This configuration is essential for ensuring that both electrodes contribute equally to the electrical stimulation delivered to the target tissues. By using electrodes of the same size, a balanced current can flow between them, which enhances the effectiveness of the treatment.

This option is crucial because using equal-sized electrodes allows for more consistent and controlled stimulation across the treatment area, facilitating a better outcome for the therapeutic procedure. The balanced nature of the bipolar set-up helps to avoid any hotspots or imbalances in stimulation that could arise if different-sized electrodes were used.

Electromagnetic principles dictate that the effectiveness and penetration depth of the stimulation also depend considerably on the arrangement and size of the electrodes. Therefore, bipolar arrangements are typically favored in various therapeutic applications where uniform stimulation is desired.