BreathBased Monitoring of Pilot Hypoxia - Proof of Concept
Abstract
This project addresses the unmet need of in-flight pilot monitoring for hypoxia by providing breath-by-breath monitoring of inhaled and exhaled O2 and CO2 (essential and direct information on pulmonary gas exchange and thus hypoxia), and providing monitoring of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in exhaled breath that may be indicative of hypoxic stress. In this one-year proof-of-concept project we developed a prototype system suitable for detailed evaluation and testing in the future. The prototype system accurately measured both inspired and expired O2 and CO2 and inspired flow using a slight modification to the standard MBU-20 mask that does not require pilot action. Gas concentrations and flow are recorded continuously on a module worn in the pilot vest, and there are no aircraft connections required. Operation is entirely automatic and data visualization is available via a Bluetooth connected tablet if desired (not required for routine operation). Tests of normoxia to hypoxia transitions from abrupt changes in inspired O2 show the utility of the system by detecting these changes well in advance of that measured by pulse oximetry. Testing with sorbent tubes to collected volatile organic compounds (VOC) in conjunction with AFRL shows that parallel operations are practical.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 21, 2016
- Accession Number
- AD1009309
Entities
People
- G. K. Prisk
- John B. West
Organizations
- University of California, San Diego