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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 73 records · Page 4
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2021

Learning-based CO 2 concentration prediction: Application to indoor air quality control using demand-controlled ventilation

There have been increasing concerns over the air quality inside buildings as high levels of bio-effluents can cause nausea, dizziness, headaches, and fatigue to the people working in those spaces. First published in 2004 as Standard 62.1, ASHRAE Standard 62.2-2019 requires highly occupied spaces to implement heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) that can dilute contaminants produced by occupants. In this regard, occupant-centric ventilation control has been regarded as an effective practice to maintain a satisfactory indoor air quality (IAQ) when dealing with highly variable occupancy environments. However, few established models in current literature and practice consider dynamic occupancy behavior and adaptive IAQ control. To address this gap, a dynamic indoor CO2 model is constructed using machine learning algorithms to forecast CO2concentrations across a range of forecasting horizons. Herein, we tuned and compared six state-of-the-algorithms—including Support Vector Machine, Ada Boost, Random Forest, Gradient Boosting, Logistic Regression, and Multilayer Perceptron. The algorithms’ performances are validated using CO 2 and historical meteorological data collected from a campus classroom with a variable occupancy rate. Simulation results showed that Multilayer Perceptron can strongly predict the volatile CO 2 behavior and also outperforms other algorithms in terms of accuracy. Furthermore, a control strategy capable of modeling and detecting dynamic patterns of CO 2 level is utilized to modulate the ventilation rate in real-time and also reduce the energy consumption. The proposed controller reduced the HVAC fan’s energy consumption by 51.4% and provide ventilation as needed per the ASHRAE standards.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
NASA NTRS2008

Investigation of Condensing Ice Heat Exchangers for MTSA Technology Development

Metabolic heat regenerated Temperature Swing Adsorption (MTSA) technology is being developed for thermal, carbon dioxide (CO2) and humidity control for a Portable Life Support Subsystem (PLSS). Metabolically-produced CO2 present in the ventilation gas of a PLSS is collected using a CO2selective adsorbent via temperature swing adsorption. The temperature swing is initiated through cooling to well below metabolic temperatures. Cooling is achieved with a sublimation heat exchanger using water or liquid carbon dioxide (LCO2) expanded below sublimation temperature when exposed to low pressure or vacuum. Subsequent super heated vapor, as well as additional coolant, is used to further cool the astronaut. The temperature swing on the adsorbent is then completed by warming the adsorbent with a separate condensing ice heat exchanger (CIHX) using metabolic heat from moist ventilation gas. The condensed humidity in the ventilation gas is recycled at the habitat. The water condensation from the ventilation gas is a significant heat transfer mechanism for the warming of the adsorbent bed because it represents as much as half of the energy potential in the moist ventilation gas. Designing a heat exchanger to efficiently transfer this energy to the adsorbent bed and allow the collection of the water is a challenge since the CIHX will operate in a temperature range from 210K to 280K. The ventilation gas moisture will first freeze and then thaw, sometimes existing in three phases simultaneously. A NASA Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase 1 contract was performed to investigate condensing and icing as applied to MTSA to enable higher fidelity modeling and assess the impact of geometry variables on CIHX performance for future CIHX design optimization. Specifically, a design tool was created using analytical relations to explore the complex, interdependent design space of a condensing ice heat exchanger. Numerous variables were identified as having nontrivial contributions to performance such as hydraulic diameter, heat exchanger effectiveness, ventilation gas mass flow rate and surface roughness. Using this tool, four test articles were designed and manufactured to map to a full MTSA subassembly (the adsorbent bed, the sublimation heat exchanger for cooling and the condensing ice heat exchanger for warming). The design mapping considered impacts due to CIHX geometry as well as subassembly impacts such as thermal mass and thermal resistance through the adsorbent bed. The test articles were tested at simulated PLSS ventilation loop temperature, moisture content and subambient pressure. Ice accumulation and melting were observed. Data and test observations were analyzed to identify drivers of the condensing ice heat exchanger performance. This paper will discuss the analytical models, the test article designs, and testing procedures. Testing issues will be discussed to better describe data and share lessons learned. Data analysis and subsequent conclusions will be presented.

Padilla, Sebastian↗
DOE OSTI2023

Neonatal respiratory support strategies—short and long-term respiratory outcomes

Mechanical ventilation (MV), although life-saving, is associated with chronic respiratory morbidity in both preterm and term born infants. New ventilation modes have been developed with the aim of minimising lung injury. These include invasive and non-invasive respiratory support strategies, techniques for less invasive surfactant administration (LISA) and closed-loop automated oxygen control (CLAC) systems. Increasingly, newborn infants with signs of respiratory distress are stabilised on continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and receive LISA. Early CPAP when compared to mechanical ventilation reduced the incidence of BPD and respiratory morbidity at 18 to 22 months corrected age. Nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation reduced treatment failure rates compared to CPAP, but not bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). LISA compared with intubation and surfactant delivery reduced BPD, but there is no evidence from randomised trials regarding long-term respiratory and neurodevelopmental outcomes. Synchronisation of positive pressure inflations with the infant's respiratory efforts used with volume targeting should be applied for infants requiring intubation as this strategy reduces BPD. A large RCT with long term follow up data demonstrated that prophylactic high frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) improved respiratory and functional outcomes at school age, but those effects were not maintained after puberty. CLAC systems appear promising, but their effect on long term clinical outcomes has not yet been explored in randomised trials. Further studies are required to determine the role of newer ventilation modes such as neurally adjusted ventilator assist (NAVA). All such respiratory support strategies should be tested in randomised controlled trials powered to assess long-term outcomes.

Kaltsogianni, Ourania↗
NASA NTRS1992

VA/Q distribution during heavy exercise and recovery in humans: implications for pulmonary edema

Ventilation-perfusion (VA/Q) inequality has been shown to increase with exercise. Potential mechanisms for this increase include nonuniform pulmonary vasoconstriction, ventilatory time constant inequality, reduced large airway gas mixing, and development of interstitial pulmonary edema. We hypothesized that persistence of VA/Q mismatch after ventilation and cardiac output subside during recovery would be consistent with edema; however, rapid resolution would suggest mechanisms related to changes in ventilation and blood flow per se. Thirteen healthy males performed near-maximal cycle ergometry at an inspiratory PO2 of 91 Torr (because hypoxia accentuates VA/Q mismatch on exercise). Cardiorespiratory variables and inert gas elimination patterns were measured at rest, during exercise, and between 2 and 30 min of recovery. Two profiles of VA/Q distribution behavior emerged during heavy exercise: in group 1 an increase in VA/Q mismatch (log SDQ of 0.35 +/- 0.02 at rest and 0.44 +/- 0.02 at exercise; P less than 0.05, n = 7) and in group 2 no change in VA/Q mismatch (n = 6). There were no differences in anthropometric data, work rate, O2 uptake, or ventilation during heavy exercise between groups. Group 1 demonstrated significantly greater VA/Q inequality, lower vital capacity, and higher forced expiratory flow at 25-75% of forced vital capacity for the first 20 min during recovery than group 2. Cardiac index was higher in group 1 both during heavy exercise and 4 and 6 min postexercise. However, both ventilation and cardiac output returned toward baseline values more rapidly than did VA/Q relationships. Arterial pH was lower in group 1 during exercise and recovery. We conclude that greater VA/Q inequality in group 1 and its persistence during recovery are consistent with the hypothesis that edema occurs and contributes to the increase in VA/Q inequality during exercise. This is supported by observation of greater blood flows and acidosis and, presumably therefore, higher pulmonary vascular pressures in such subjects.

NASA Discipline Cardiopulmonary↗
DOE OSTI2020

Characterization of Mechanical Ventilation Systems in New US Homes: What types of systems are out there and are they functioning as intended?

As the airtightness of homes improves to meet energy efficiency goals, it becomes more important for mechanical ventilation systems to help maintain a comfortable and healthy indoor air environment. ASHRAE Standard 62.2 provides national guidance for mechanical ventilation system design and installation, however adoption of those guidelines into local building codes has occurred at different rates. Once provisions for mechanical ventilation are adopted in a local code, are mechanical ventilation systems properly designed, installed, commissioned and operated according to code or above code program requirements? Is there a need for further industry and homeowner education to ensure systems function as intended? This paper presents results from field studies that include characterization of mechanical ventilation systems in over 150 new homes in CA, CO, FL, GA, IL, OR, and SC built between 2011 and 2018. In each of the study homes, airflow of local (kitchen, bathrooms) and whole-house ventilation were measured. Occupant usage of the mechanical ventilation systems were monitored for one week in each home. Installed performance is compared to inferred design intent. The paper also includes homeowner perceptions about, and interactions with, the installed mechanical ventilation systems.

Martin, Eric↗
NASA NTRS1981

Effects of antiorthostatic bedrest on the cardiorespiratory responses to exercise

The cardiorespiratory changes in exercise performance induced by horizontal and antiorthostatic bed rest are compared in order to determine the physiological changes occurring in the antiorthostatic position and their degree of similarity to those observed in weightlessness. Systolic and diastolic pressures, heart rates, maximum oxygen uptake, ventilation volume during and following 5 min of submaximal exercise in the supine position and body weight and composition were determined in subjects before and following 7 days of bed rest in the horizontal or 6-deg head-down positions. Bed rest is found to result in a general decrease in exercise tolerance as indicated by cardiorespiratory parameters in both groups, with the 6-deg head-down treatment causing greater cardiovascular deconditioning. When compared with space flight data, the antiorthostatic position is shown to simulate the effects of weightlessness more effectively than horizontal bed rest

Convertino, V. A.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Definition of experiments to investigate fire suppressants in microgravity

Defined and justified here are the conceptual design and operation of a critical set of experiments expected to yield information on suppressants and on suppressant delivery systems under realistic spacecraft-fire conditions (smoldering). Specific experiment parameters are provided on the solid fuel (carbon), oxidants (habitable spacecraft atmospheres), fuel/oxidant supply, mixing mode, and rate (quiescent and finite; ventilated and replenishable), ignition mode, event, and reignition tendency, fire-zone size, fire conditions, lifetime, and consequences (toxicity), suppressants (CO2, H2O, N2) and suppressant delivery systems, and diagnostics. Candidate suppressants were identified after an analysis of how reduced gravity alters combustion, and how these alterations may influence the modes, mechanisms, and capacities of terrestrial agents to suppress unwanted combustion, or fire. Preferred spacecraft suppression concepts included the local, near-quiescent application of a gas, vapor, or mist that has thermophysical fire-suppression activity and is chemically inert under terrestrial (normal gravity) combustion conditions. The scale, number, and duration (about 1 hour) of the proposed low-gravity experiments were estimated using data not only on the limitations imposed by spacecraft-carrier (Shuttle or Space Station Freedom) accommodations, but also data on the details and experience of standardized smolder-suppression experiments at normal gravity. Deliberately incorporated into the conceptual design was sufficient interchangeability for the prototype experimental package to fly either on Shuttle now or Freedom later. This flexibility is provided by the design concept of up to 25 modular fuel canisters within a containment vessel, which permits both integration into existing low-gravity in-space combustion experiments and simultaneous testing of separate experiments to conserve utilities and time.

Reuther, James J.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

EMU CO2 Washout Comparative Assessments for the HAB/HAP-E in Support of EVA 80

After water was reported in the Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) helmet during ISS US EVA 80, mitigation strategies were created to attempt to arrest the motion of any droplets that enter the helmet for future Extravehicular Activities (EVAs). This included adding absorbent materials into the interior of the helmet. But before a mitigation strategy can be implemented, it must first be proven to be safe. Towards this aim, a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model was developed to assess the effect that the absorbent material has on the concentration of carbon dioxide in the EMU helmet. Within a small, closed volume such as a helmet, some amount of the carbon dioxide produced by the suit-wearer will be re-inhaled before being cleared from the oral-nasal region. The ability of the suit to remove carbon dioxide is referred to as CO2 washout. Pathological levels of inhaled CO2 (hypercapnia) are associated with dizziness, fatigue, and headaches. The CFD model was built in ANSYS Fluent and adapted to assess CO2 washout in a variety of scenarios grouped into three categories: ventilation cases, varying metabolic rates, and varying sorbent material configurations. The presence of the sorbent material did not prove detrimental to CO2 washout in the helmet.

Moses Navarro↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

EMU CO2 Washout Comparative Assessments for the HAB/HAP-E in Support of EVA 80

After water was reported in the Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) helmet during ISS US EVA 80, mitigation strategies were created to attempt to arrest the motion of any droplets that enter the helmet for future Extravehicular Activities (EVAs). This included adding absorbent materials into the interior of the helmet. But before a mitigation strategy can be implemented, it must first be proven to be safe. Towards this aim, a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model was developed to assess the effect that the absorbent material has on the concentration of carbon dioxide in the EMU helmet. Within a small, closed volume such as a helmet, some amount of the carbon dioxide produced by the suit-wearer will be re-inhaled before being cleared from the oral-nasal region. The ability of the suit to remove carbon dioxide is referred to as CO2 washout. Pathological levels of inhaled CO2 (hypercapnia) are associated with dizziness, fatigue, and headaches. The CFD model was built in ANSYS Fluent and adapted to assess CO2 washout in a variety of scenarios grouped into three categories: ventilation cases, varying metabolic rates, and varying sorbent material configurations. The presence of the sorbent material did not prove detrimental to CO2 washout in the helmet.

Moses Navarro↗
DOE OSTI2025

Hardware-in-Loop Modules for Testing Automated Ventilator Controllers

Automated ventilator controllers have the potential to simplify oxygen and carbon dioxide management for trauma. In the pre-hospital or military medicine environment, trauma care can be required for prolonged periods by personnel with limited ventilator management training. As such, there is a need for closed-loop control systems that can adapt ventilator management to a complex, ever-changing medical environment. Here, we present a novel hardware-in-loop test platform for the independent troubleshooting and evaluation of oxygen and carbon dioxide automated ventilator management capabilities. The oxygen management system provides an analogue blood oxygen signal that is responsive to the fraction of inspired oxygen and the peak inspiratory pressure ventilator settings. A tested oxygenation controller successfully reached the target oxygen saturation within 5 min. The carbon dioxide removal system integrates with commercial ventilator technology and mimics carbon dioxide generation, lung compliance, and airway resistance while providing an end-tidal carbon dioxide level that is responsive to changes in the tidal volume and respiratory rate settings. A test mechanical ventilator controller was able to regulate EtCO2 regardless of the starting value within 10 min. This highlights the system’s functionality and provides proof-of-concept demonstrations for how the hardware-in-loop test platforms can be used for evaluating closed-loop controller technologies.

Berard, David (ORCID:0000000322863846)↗
NASA NTRS1997

Upright exercise or supine lower body negative pressure exercise maintains exercise responses after bed rest

Adaptation to bed rest or space flight is accompanied by an impaired ability to exercise in an upright position. We hypothesized that a daily, 30-min bout of intense, interval exercise in upright posture or supine against lower body negative pressure (LBNP) would maintain upright exercise heart rate and respiratory responses after bed rest. Twenty-four men (31 +/- 3 yr) underwent 5 d of 6 degree head-down tilt: eight performed no exercise (CON), eight performed upright treadmill exercise (UPex), and eight performed supine treadmill exercise against LBNP at -51.3 +/- 0.4 mm Hg (LBNPex). Submaximal treadmill exercise responses (56, 74, and 85% of VO2peak) were measured pre- and post-bed rest. In CON, submaximal heart rate, respiratory exchange ratio, and ventilation were significantly greater (P < or = 0.05) after bed rest. In UPex and LBNPex, submaximal exercise responses were similar pre- and post-bed rest. Our results indicate that a daily 30-min bout of intense, interval upright exercise training or supine exercise training against LBNP is sufficient to maintain upright exercise responses after 5 d of bed rest. These results may have important implications for the development of exercise countermeasures during space flight.

NASA Center ARC↗
DOE OSTI2023

Quasi‐dynamic breathing model of the lung incorporating viscoelasticity of the lung tissue

Abstract We advanced a novel model to calculate viscoelastic lung compliance and airflow resistance in presence of mucus, accounting for the quasi‐linear viscoelastic stress–strain response of the parenchyma (alveoli) tissue. We adapted a continuum‐based numerical modeling approach for the lung, integrating the fluid mechanics of the airflow within individual generations of the bronchi and alveoli. The model accounts for elasticity of the deformable bronchioles, resistance to airflow due to the presence of mucus within the bronchioles, and subsequent mucus flow. Simulated quasi‐dynamic inhalation and expiration cycles were used to characterize the net compliance and resistance of the lung, considering the rheology of the mucus and viscoelastic properties of the parenchyma tissue. The structure and material properties of the lung were identified to have an important contribution to the lung compliance and airflow resistance. The secondary objective of this work was to assess whether a higher frequency and smaller volume of harmonic air flow rate compared to a normal ventilator breathing cycle enhanced mucus outflow. Results predict, lower mucus viscosity and higher excitation frequency of breathing are favorable for the flow of mucus up the bronchi tree, towards the trachea.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS1972

Cardiorespiratory responses to exercise in air and underwater.

Respiratory gas exchange, end-tidal gas tensions, alveolar ventilation, respiratory frequency, cardiac output, and pulse rate were measured in four healthy adult males at rest and during mild and moderate exercise in air at 18-22 C and underwater at 35.0-35.5 C. Immersion was associated with a 10% increase in pulse rate and cardiac output at all levels of exercise. There were no changes in end-tidal CO2 tension or alveolar ventilation. It is concluded that horizontal subjects breathing at eupneic pressures and working against mild and moderate loads in warm water show the same responses to exercise as in air.-

Denison, D. M.↗
DOE OSTI2020

An Unobstructive Sensing Method for Indoor Air Quality Optimization and Metabolic Assessment within Vehicles

This work investigates the use of an intelligent and unobstructive sensing technique for maintaining vehicle cabin’s indoor air quality while simultaneously assessing the driver metabolic rate. CO 2 accumulation patterns are of great interest because CO 2 can have negative cognitive effects at higher concentrations and also since CO 2 accumulation rate can potentially be used to determine a person’s metabolic rate. The management of the vehicle’s ventilation system was controlled by periodically alternating the air recirculation mode within the cabin, which was actuated based on the CO 2 levels inside the vehicle’s cabin. The CO 2 accumulation periods were used to assess the driver’s metabolic rate, using a model that considered the vehicle’s air exchange rate. In the process of the method optimization, it was found that the vehicle’s air exchange rate (λ [h –1 ]) depends on the vehicle speeds, following the relationship: λ = 0.060 × (speed) – 0.88 when driving faster than 17 MPH. An accuracy level of 95% was found between the new method to assess the driver’s metabolic rate (1620 ± 140 kcal/day) and the reference method of indirect calorimetry (1550 ± 150 kcal/day) for a total of N = 16 metabolic assessments at various vehicle speeds. The new sensing method represents a novel approach for unobstructive assessment of driver metabolic rate while maintaining indoor air quality within the vehicle cabin.

passive sensing↗
DOE OSTI2020

Accuracy of HVAC Load Predictions: Validation of EnergyPlus and DOE-2 using FLEXLAB Measurements

The aim of the project reported here was to better understand the level of accuracy of three building energy simulation (BES) engines (‘engines’) — EnergyPlus™, DOE-2.1e, and DOE-2.2 — by identifying and investigating significant deviations between the performance predicted by these engines and actual performance as measured in the FLEXLAB® test facility at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL). The specific test conditions included some of those prescribed in ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 140 - Standard Method of Test for the Evaluation of Building Energy Analysis Computer Programs. Detailed measurements of FLEXLAB performance, including indoor temperatures and heat fluxes and air-flow and water flow rates and temperatures in the Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, together with hourly weather data, were recorded and used in analyzing the simulation results from EnergyPlus v8.8, DOE-2.2 v3.65 and DOE-2.1e v127. These engines are commonly used in the United States for building energy code compliance, federal, state, and utility incentives programs, as well as energy efficient design of new buildings and energy retrofit of existing buildings. Seven conventional overhead mixing ventilation scenarios were tested and each engine was found to have a similar level of agreement with the measurements of space-level heating and sensible cooling loads. These results provide useful information regarding the accuracy of these engines in predicting the cooling and heating load elements of whole building energy performance. This information is intended for practitioners who are concerned about transitioning between simulation tools with different engines and for managers of utility programs leveraging these tools for evaluating and/or projecting measure savings to be incentivized under their programs. The results of the comparisons of simulated and measured performance indicate that the predictions from all three engines are not significantly different. The 24-hour average value of the absolute mean bias indicates the likely magnitude of the error in any particular case. The average mean bias is reduced by cancelation of overprediction in one case by underprediction in another. The daytime absolute mean biases, which may be more important for both energy performance and occupant comfort, are ~6%, presumably because of the greater complexity involved in simulating in the presence of solar radiation. EnergyPlus typically overpredicts the cooling load and/or underpredicts the heating load by ~1.5% and the DOE-2 engines typically underpredict the cooling load by approximately the same amount. The Root Mean Square Error is relatively more sensitive to shorter term variations in the difference between predicted and measured loads; the three engines have similar values, ~10%, suggesting that the uncertainties in their predictions of peak loads may also be similar in magnitude. The implication of these results is that users, both designers and program analysts, can use EnergyPlus, DOE-2.1e, or DOE-2.2 to model conventional commercial buildings equipped with overhead mixing ventilation with a similar level of confidence. Further work is required to better understand the variability in the level of agreement between the engine predictions and FLEXLAB measurements, where a particular engine will agree well with FLEXLAB in some cases and not so well in others and another engine will agree or disagree in different cases. As the sources of this variability are identified and eliminated or reduced significantly, it is recommended that the experimental capabilities and methods developed in the study reported here should be applied to validating heating and cooling load calculations for spaces with different types of furniture and miscellaneous loads. These methods should then be applied to low energy space conditioning systems in EnergyPlus including, in particular, radiant slab and radiant ceiling panel cooling and heating systems and ‘mixed mode’ systems that combine mechanical cooling and natural ventilation systems, focusing on controls, including control of thermal mass. The work reported here addresses the conventional method of heating and cooling occupied spaces; other methods, such as the use of radiant heating and cooling systems have the potential to provide equivalent occupant comfort, or better, with lower energy consumption. These systems are addressed more explicitly in EnergyPlus but there is a need for empirical validation to give users the same level of confidence in modeling these systems that they have, or should have, in modeling conventional systems, based on the results presented here.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
NASA NTRS1973

Operating Room Environment Control. Part A: a Valve Cannister System for Anesthetic Gas Adsorption. Part B: a State-of-the-art Survey of Laminar Flow Operating Rooms. Part C: Three Laminar Flow Experiments

An anesthetic gas flow pop-off valve canister is described that is airtight and permits the patient to breath freely. Once its release mechanism is activated, the exhaust gases are collected at a hose adapter and passed through activated coal for adsorption. A survey of laminar air flow clean rooms is presented and the installation of laminar cross flow air systems in operating rooms is recommended. Laminar flow ventilation experiments determine drying period evaporation rates for chicken intestines, sponges, and sections of pig stomach.

Meyer, J. S.↗
NASA NTRS1976

The Shuttle Orbiter Airlock Support Subsystem /ALSS/

The Orbiter Airlock Support Subsystem (ALSS) is designed to provide shirtsleeve intervehicular transfer (IVA) between the orbiter and payload spacelab. Also, the airlock provides for extravehicular transfer (EVA) of two crewman to space and/or unpressurized payload from a pressurized cabin environment. The orbiter airlock design permits three planned EVA's for periods up to 6 hr. The airlock is designed to be interchangeable in three different locations, in the crew cabin, attached to the cabin aft bulkhead or attached to transfer tunnel adapter both which are located in the cargo bay. The Orbiter Airlock Support Subsystem described herein provides ventilation, pressurization, depressurization, prebreathing, personnel oxygen system supply (POS), and Extravehicular Mobility Unit support (EMU). This paper defines the system configuration for each airlock location and the commonality between them. Emphasis is also placed on the design data used to define repressurization and depressurization requirements, ventilation, water cooling, wastewater discharge, flow rates, and valve sizing.

Brown, J. T.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Body position does not affect the hemodynamic response to venous air embolism in dogs

Current therapy for massive venous air embolism (VAE) includes the use of the left lateral recumbent (LLR) position. This recommendation is based on animal studies, conducted 50 years ago, which looked primarily at survival. Little is known, however, about the concomitant hemodynamic response after VAE in various body positions. The purpose of this study was to investigate the hemodynamic and cardiovascular changes in various body positions after VAE. Twenty-two mechanically ventilated supine mongrel dogs received a venous air infusion of 2.5 mL/kg at a rate of 5 mL/s. One minute after the infusion, 100% oxygen ventilation was commenced and the body position of the dogs was changed to either the LLR (n = 6), the LLR with the head 10 deg down (LLR-10 deg; n = 6) or the right lateral recumbent (RLR; n = 5) position. Five dogs were maintained in the supine position (SUP; n = 5). One dog died in every group except in the SUP group, where all the dogs recovered. There were no significant differences among the various body positions in terms of heart rate, mean arterial pressure, pulmonary artery pressure, central venous pressure, left ventricular end-diastolic pressure, or cardiac output. The acute hemodynamic changes occurring during the first 5-15 min after VAE recovered to 80% of control within 60 min. Our data suggest that body repositioning does not influence the cardiovascular response to VAE. Specifically, our data do not support the recommendation of repositioning into the LLR position for the treatment of VAE.

Mehlhorn, Uwe↗