Magnetic Imaging Compatible Hypo-Hyperbaric System

To address the Navy’s need for a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)-compatible hypo-hyperbaric system, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new Magnetic Imaging Compatible Hypo-Hyperbaric System (MICHyS) based on a new design that uses custom and commercial components. The innovations in the design and use of nonferromagnetic materials allow MICHyS to be compatible with fMRI and to function as a hypo-hyperbaric system with pressure exceeding the range of 0.2 to 3.0 ATA. With necessary feedthroughs and accessories for fMRI studies, this system comfortably accommodates an 80 kg subject inside a 3 T MRI chamber to study diving and hypo-hyperbaric medicine. Accurate control of gas composition/pressure/flow rate enables synchronization of gas data with fMRI data. In Phase I, POC will assemble a proof-of-concept small-scale MICHyS prototype of technical readiness level (TRL) 3 with optical and electrical feedthroughs. MRI analysis at 3 T will be conducted by placing a phantom inside the prototype with pressure ranging from 0.2 to 3.0 ATA. In Phase II, POC will construct a full-scale prototype of TRL >6 that can operate safely at pressures exceeding 0.2 to 3.0 ATA inside an MRI chamber. This prototype will be certified for animal and/or human testing.