Counterpressure to the Thoracic Surface Prevents Decompression Lung Injuries in High Altitude

DOI

10.2991/mce-14.2014.64How to use a DOI?

Keywords

Rapid decompression; Lung injuries; Transthoracic pressure; Animal model; Protective vest

Abstract

Objective: This study was to investigate the role of transthoracic pressure in decompression lung injuries and the effectiveness of counterpressure to the thoracic surface. Methods: Thirty-six rabbits were randomly divided into one slow decompression group(S), five rapid decompression groups (R1-R5). Counterpressure thoracic vests were used in the one rapid decompression group (R5). Rabbit mortality was recorded and the surface damages of the lungs were measured. The damage tissue was also analyzed by H&E staining and transmission electron microscope. Results: The transthoracic pressure applied to the slow decompression and 5 rapid decompression groups were 0 kPa (S), 7.52kPa (R1), 9.77 kPa (R2), 11.89 kPa (R3), 13.62 kPa (R4) and 13.07 kPa (R5), respectively. There were no obvious lung injuries in S group. Minor injuries were observed in R1 group. With the increase of transthoracic pressure, the degree of severity of pulmonary congestion and edema, alveolar hemorrhage, and lung rupture increased. The use of counterpressure thoracic vests prevented the lung injuries caused by high transthoracic pressure. Conclusions: Transthoracic pressure plays an important role in decompression lung injuries. The decompression lung injuries worsen with the increase of transthoracic pressure. Counterpressure thoracic vests can prevent the decompression lung injuries.

Copyright

© 2014, the Authors. Published by Atlantis Press.

Open Access

This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/).

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TY  - CONF
AU  - Xiaopeng Liu
AU  - Huajun Xiao
PY  - 2014/03
DA  - 2014/03
TI  - Counterpressure to the Thoracic Surface Prevents Decompression Lung Injuries in High Altitude
BT  - Proceedings of the 2014 International Conference on Mechatronics, Control and Electronic Engineering
PB  - Atlantis Press
SP  - 291
EP  - 296
SN  - 1951-6851
UR  - https://doi.org/10.2991/mce-14.2014.64
DO  - 10.2991/mce-14.2014.64
ID  - Liu2014/03
ER  -