Journal of Applied Physiology AJP: Lung Cellular and Molecular Physiology
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J Appl Physiol 90: 593-600, 2001;
8750-7587/01 $5.00
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Vol. 90, Issue 2, 593-600, February 2001

Cerebral gas embolism absorption during hyperbaric therapy: theory

Annette B. Branger1, Christian J. Lambertsen2, and David M. Eckmann3

1 Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208; 2 Institute for Environmental Medicine and 3 Department of Anesthesia and Institute for Medicine and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104

Cerebral gas embolism is a serious consequence of diving. It is associated with decompression sickness and is assumed to cause severe neurological dysfunction. A mathematical model previously developed to calculate embolism absorption time based on in vivo bubble geometry is used in which various conditions of hyperbaric therapy are considered. Effects of varying external pressure and inert gas concentrations in the breathing mixtures, according to US Navy and Royal Navy diving treatment tables, are predicted. Recompression alone is calculated to reduce absorption times of a 50-nl bubble by up to 98% over the untreated case. Lowering the inhaled inert gas concentration from 67.5% to 50% reduces absorption time by 37% at a given pressure. Bubbles formed after diving and decompression with He are calculated to absorb up to 73% faster than bubbles created after diving and decompression with air, regardless of the recompression gas breathed. This model is a useful alternative to impractical clinical trials in assessing which initial step in hyperbaric therapy is most effective in eliminating cerebral gas embolisms should they occur.

decompression sickness; diffusion; multiple gas model; in vivo geometry


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