Non-Invasive Bubble Detection in Tissue

Despite decades of research, there are numerous unanswered questions regarding the genesis, evolution, prevention, and treatment of decompression sickness (DCS), a serious risk for individuals exposed to large environmental pressure changes such as divers, rescued submariners, aviators, and astronauts. It is generally believed that micronuclei existing in tissue play a key role in the genesis and evolution of DCS. This belief is based on indirect evidence, as no method for directly measuring tissue micronuclei currently exists. The size, shape, occurrence, and stabilizing mechanism of tissue micronuclei are not well characterized. The ability to directly measure micronuclei could lead to revolutionary advances in the ability to predict, prevent, and treat DCS. We propose to apply emerging high-resolution imaging technologies to directly measure tissue micronuclei. During Phase I, we will perform high-resolution scans to characterize micronuclei in laboratory phantoms and in animal tissue. The data generated will provide fundamental insight into the nature of tissue micronuclei, and can also be used for the optimization of other bubble detection methods, such as dual-frequency ultrasound. In Phase II, we will perform micronuclei characterization in live human tissue and will also develop a system appropriate for real-time micronuclei monitoring in an operational environment.