Handheld Point-of-Care Ultrasonography for Gynecology: Insights Into Space Travel Through Parabolic Flight

Imaging plays a critical role in evaluating gynecologic emergencies. However, access to such technology is limited in austere environments such as spaceflight. Portable point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS) offers rapid diagnostic capabilities potentially useful for supporting women's health. However, the feasibility of using portable POCUS for gynecological imaging in spaceflights characterized by shifts in weightlessness has not been previously evaluated.

Transabdominal ultrasonography was undertaken to assess the feasibility of using portable POCUS for gynecologic scans during a parabolic flight.

Despite rapidly alternating gravitational changes and the close proximity of other crew members, a participant successfully obtained clear diagnostic images of the uterus and measured three-dimensional bladder volumes during a parabolic flight aboard a Falcon 20 aircraft without privacy concerns. During the hypergravity phase (approximately 2 G) of the flight, heavier upper-extremity movement and probe positioning created challenges to successful imaging. However, minimizing head movement helped to stabilize the vestibular system during gravity changes, successfully mitigating symptoms such as vertigo, nausea, and dizziness. This strategy facilitated smoother transitions between gravitational forces and enabled the participant to obtain uterine imaging during the microgravity phase of the flight.

The use of a handheld portable POCUS device is feasible during parabolic flight, establishing an important precedent useful for supporting women's health in space. Future technology needs to incorporate training models, augmented reality, and advanced artificial intelligence-based tools to direct self-scanning capabilities for participants who do not have medical experience.