Non-Invasive In Vivo Tissue Bubble Detector

Development of safe and efficient procedures for humans working under hyperbaric conditions requires a thorough understanding of decompression physiology and gas dynamics. Some current theoretical decompression models consider free gas phases in tissue; however, there is as yet no reliable mechanism for direct experimental verification of tissue gas bubble formation and growth. In this project, candidate technologies which are most likely to lead to the deployment of an instrument for the routine quantitative detection of gas bubbles in animal tissue in vivo are to be evaluated. Acoustical, radiographic, electromagnetic and potentially other approaches will be examined based upon first principals. Potential measurement techniques will be evaluated in terms of measurment accuracy, calibration requirements, ease of use in a clinical setting, equipment size and ruggednes, and cost. The most promising technology will be the focus of in depth engineering evaluation, leading to a product development and manufacturing plan should a practical instrument appear feasible.