Abstract
The mobility of organs has made it difficult to identify normal organ structures and positions by ultrasonography in a micro-gravity environment. NASA has used ultrasound imaging previously on the KC-135 and in space. Early experiments were confounded by, and in some cases failed because, astronauts' organs shifted in space [Wayne Sternberger Ph.D., John Hopkins Univ. APL, Jan 24, 2000] [Steve Carter M.D., Dept. of Radiology, University of Washington, personal communication, Feb 27, 2000]. The Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) of the University of Washington has undertaken an extensive effort to develop technology that would permit minimally-trained personnel to utilize diagnostic and therapeutic ultrasound to terminate both external and internal bleeding, ultimately to be used in space [Lawrence Crum, NSBRI proposal]. Such a procedure is complicated by the phenomenon of micro-gravity induced organ shift. NASA owns 2 SonoSite 180 handheld ultrasound imaging units [Steve Carter M.D., Dept. of Radiology, University of Washington, personal communication, Feb 24, 2000] which is the same instrument we will use.

The objectives of this project are two-fold. First, it will measure three dimensional organ displacement using ultrasound. In these measurements, taken at zero, one and two g's of acceleration, identified organs will be imaged in three dimensions from data collected. By taking repeated measurements of organ displacement as a result of different gravitational accelerations and comparing the results with images obtained on the ground, this project will characterize organ shift patterns for at least one human-contained organ (for example, the liver), and thereby increasing the predictability of organ location for future endeavors with ultrasound in micro-gravity environments. Additionally, by collecting ultrasound data at specific values of gravitational forces, we hope to identify problems that have not yet been anticipated so that future APL missions involving ultrasound are better able to prepare for space flight. Our second objective is to provide an outreach program. By visiting local schools, publishing a web site, evoking local media coverage, and presenting our findings at a scientific conference, we will reach out to a broad spectrum of people.

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