Non-Invasive In Vivo Bubble-Sizing Instrument

Decompression sickness (DCS) presents a risk of serious injury or death and affects the operational readiness and capabilities of NASA military and civilian astronauts, aviators and divers and other individuals who are exposed to moderate environmental pressure transients. During this project, Creare will develop a non-invasive instrument capable of measuring the number and size of vascular and extravascular bubbles before and during DCS. The instrument will be capable of detecting and sizing bubbles in extravascular tissue and the microcirculation as well as large vessels. This instrument will help to prevent and minimize the occurrence of DCS associated with in-flight pressure changes. It will allow enhanced observation of DCS precursors and help to establish better operational criteria. In addition, the instrument can be used to monitor individuals for the onset of DCS precursors. During Phase I, a prototype bubble sizing instrument will be developed and tested. During Phase II, the instrument will be optimized for in vitro application and will be tested on living tissues.