Gas Bubble Detection and Decompression Sickness Prevention by Noninvasive Bioelectrical Impedance Spectroscopy.
Abstract
Excessively rapid decompression causee bubble formation in the blood and tissues which can in turn cause Decompreesion SicKness (DcS) through a var%ety of mecheniams that i%c1ude direct mechanical dama%e to tissue and perfusion impairment. %onjnvasive coniputer-driven Electrical %mpedance Spectroacopic (%IS) and Impedance Plet!%ys%ographic (IPG) methods were developed and used to track such bubble %ormation and it% attendant hernodynamic ef%ects. Studies Of bubble formation in gelatin confirmed theoretical in- dicatione that bubble formation and growth ahould cause systemtic changea in the alec- t%ical impedance spectr'n ot the hoct liquid throu%h e:fecte of a%lu%e adaor%tion at th bubble gaa liquid interface%. Using these changes as indices for b%bbLe formation in vi %IS technology was applied to detect bubble formation in the tails of rate decomprease to simulated altitudes. The tails were also roonitored for b%bble-in%%ced hemod%namic chan9es using more conventional IrG techniques. Results wsr% correleted with the in- cidence of DCS% which was %udged to have ocourred with the exhibition of re.piratory 0iatrees% convulajons or death. %ecauae the dacompressions used in theae animal experi- ments were 6%%%%5% further work remains to determine whet%er ZIS and IPG monitoring can provide noninvasive% ob%ectiva and preinonitory indices of DcS in man.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADA300625
Entities
People
- Wayne A. Gerth
Organizations
- Duke University Hospital