Accession Number:

ADP011061

Title:

Patent Foramen Ovale as a Risk Factor for Altitude Decompression Illness

Descriptive Note:

Corporate Author:

CANADIAN SPACE AGENCY OTTAWA (ONTARIO)

Personal Author(s):

• Sullivan, Patrick J.
• Gray, Gary
• Nishi, Ronald Y.

Report Date:

2001-06-01

Pagination or Media Count:

4.0

Abstract:

The relation between the presence of a patent foramen ovale PFO and the risk of decompression illness DCI remains controversial. PFO is a common finding in the general population with an autopsy prevalence of about 25. Recent review articles in the diving literature have concluded the presence of a PFO may increase the relative risk for DCI but the absolute risk remains low. In space operations DCI is a significant concern for extravehicular activities EVA because of the low Suit pressure the NASA EMU-suit pressure is 4.3 psia equivalent to about 30,000 feet.

Descriptors:

• *DECOMPRESSION SICKNESS
• SYMPOSIA
• RISK
• STRESS(PHYSIOLOGY)
• CANADA
• LOW PRESSURE
• BUBBLES
• ILLNESS
• NEUROPHYSIOLOGY
• PRESSURE SUITS
• EXTRAVEHICULAR ACTIVITY
• ALTITUDE SICKNESS

Subject Categories:

• Medicine and Medical Research
• Stress Physiology

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE