Measuring whole-body inert gas uptake and washout during submersion

Quantifying inert gas uptake and washout is critical for understanding decompression sickness (DCS). However, the limited amount of data has made it difficult to integrate inert gas kinetics into risk models for DCS. Measuring whole-body inert gas kinetics during submersion is technically challenging. This study presents a novel method for quantifying inert gas uptake and washout in human divers using a rebreather-based system.

During constant-depth diving with a closed-circuit system that maintains a constant oxygen partial pressure, changes in buoyancy will reflect the kinetics of inert gas. Two divers completed four dives each, with a bottom phase at 2.5 bar and a decompression phase at 1.3 bar or 1.4 bar. Load cell data were converted into equivalent changes in volume of nitrogen standardised for temperature and pressure (V_N₂, STP). Power analysis was conducted to quantify the resolution by which the method could detect nitrogen uptake and washout volumes.

Distinct uptake and washout curves were obtained, comparable to previous studies using other techniques. Mean V_N₂ uptake during the bottom phase was 0.96 L (SD 0.29), while mean washout during decompression was 0.67 L (SD 0.26). The minimal mean detectable difference (MDD) with eight dives was 0.28 L for the bottom phase and 0.26 L for the decompression phase, considering standard 80% power and a 0.05 significance level.

This novel method quantifies inert gas kinetics during submersion with acceptable precision and accuracy. It could facilitate the collection of inert gas kinetics data during submersion, potentially yielding valuable correlations with the risk of DCS.