Adaptive Inert Gas Exchange Model for Improved Hypobaric Decompression Sickness Risk Estimation

• DOI: 10.3357/amhp.6554.2025
• Publication Date: 2025-02-04T00:30:46Z
• Authors: Sven De Ridder; Xavier Neyt; Peter Germonpré
• Keywords: Washout; Limiting; Liquid bubble

INTRODUCTION: Future high-altitude military operations and spaceflight will require new procedures to protect crews from decompression sickness while limiting the operational impact. It is hypothesized that current prediction models do not accurately reflect actual inert gas dynamics, making them unsuitable for risk estimation of hypobaric exposure profiles. METHODS: A biophysical exchange model was created, allowing modification various physiological parameters. Predicted nitrogen (N 2 ) volume flows were compared with an experimental study by Swedish Aerospace Physiology Centre. Bubble growth predictions, made using Tissue Dynamics Model, measured venous emboli (VGE). RESULTS: While simulated washout curves captured general trends, some important discrepancies observed when nominal The model, incorporating changes in cardiac output individual anthropometric variations, improved predictions approximated experimentally N washout. standard bubble did match VGE. Using weighing factors based on flow components predicted pattern agrees much better VGE scores. DISCUSSION: Traditional account variations environmental factors, leading incorrect estimates predictions. adaptive significantly improves altitude We therefore strongly recommend parameters any be used estimating designing mitigation procedures. De Ridder S, Neyt X, Germonpré P. Adaptive . Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2025; 96(2):85–92.