One flyer will help to secure the other to the Subject Positioning Table. Data will be collected continuously while the test subject is being scanned. The transducer is mounted to a frame that slides out from the equipment rack and over the subject. The transducer will be positioned over the area of interest and then adjustments made by the other flyer to both the transducer position and setting on the SonoSite, so that the desired images are obtained. The transducer will be allowed to move in the ?Z? direction and laterally relative to the subject, but is inferiorly and superiorly fixed. A small amount of rotation of the transducer is desirable in order to optimize images on different subjects due to varying physical characteristics, but the transducer will be locked into place once the desired view is obtained. The general positioning of the transducer will be predetermined through our practice procedure so that we can quickly obtain the desired image. In order to improve data analysis, our group has specific goals for our preflight ground-based practice activities. It will be necessary that each team member will have practiced extensively with their flight partner, and will be familiar with the appearance and location of the other?s anatomy, specifically the kidney. It is essential that quantitative data be recorded to determine normal displacement of the kidney due to respiration. Respiration will be measured over time using a nasal anemometer and then compared to the movement of the organ. This preflight data will allow us to better assess a true organ shift due to varying gravitational environments. In addition to looking for a shift of the kidney, our team will be trained to look for pathologic effects that may result in the kidney (i.e. dilation of renal pelvis or hydronephrosis due to vesicoureteral/ureterorenal reflux). Using Color Doppler or Power Color Doppler we may also have the opportunity to look for a qualitative indication of hyper or hypovascularization within the kidney. Finally, our team is exploring the feasibility and usefulness of acquiring 3D images.

The scan subject should be adequately prepared for test procedures by removing upper portion of flight suit to expose the abdomen. High viscosity scanning gel will be applied and the transducer positioned above the subject. The position of the transducer and the adjustments to the SonoSite will be made as described above. We have taken into account the hazards associated with motion sickness and restraining one of the flyers, this is expounded upon the hazards analysis section. In short, the subject will be able to release themselves from the restraints within 5 seconds.