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Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma in weightlessness: a feasibility study
Andrew W Kirkpatrick1, Douglas R Hamilton, Savvas Nicolaou
1Foothills Medical Centre, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Journal of the American College of Surgeons
|June 6, 2003
Summary
The Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma (FAST) exam is feasible in weightlessness. This ultrasound technique can be used for clinical emergencies in space, despite challenges with fluid behavior in zero gravity.
Area of Science:
- Space Medicine
- Emergency Medicine
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- The Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma (FAST) is used to detect fluid in dependent regions.
- Sonography is the sole diagnostic imaging tool available on the International Space Station.
- No prior experience exists for FAST examinations in a weightless environment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility and comparative performance of the FAST examination during parabolic flight.
- To evaluate sonographic detection and fluid behavior in simulated weightlessness (0 g) and hypergravity (1.8 g).
Main Methods:
- A ground-based porcine model was used for sonography during parabolic flights.
- Fluid was introduced into the peritoneal cavity, and sonographic windows were recorded.
- Blinded ultrasonography experts interpreted video segments for diagnostic quality and fluid presence.
Main Results:
- In-flight sonography was technically similar to terrestrial conditions when proper restraint was maintained.
- Eighty percent of recorded ultrasound segments were deemed diagnostically determinate.
- Sensitivity for fluid diagnosis in 0 g was highest from the subhepatic space, ranging from 9% to 51%.
Conclusions:
- The FAST examination is technically feasible in weightless conditions.
- The FAST exam warrants consideration for clinical contingencies during space missions.