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Mathematical model of diffusion-limited evolution of multiple gas bubbles in tissueModels of gas bubble dynamics employed in probabilistic analyses of decompression sickness incidence in man must be theoretically consistent and simple, if they are to yield useful results without requiring excessive computations. They are generally formulated in terms of ordinary differential equations that describe diffusion-limited gas exchange between a gas bubble and the extravascular tissue surrounding it. In our previous model (Ann. Biomed. Eng. 30: 232-246, 2002), we showed that with appropriate representation of sink pressures to account for gas loss or gain due to heterogeneous blood perfusion in the unstirred diffusion region around the bubble, diffusion-limited bubble growth in a tissue of finite volume can be simulated without postulating a boundary layer across which gas flux is discontinuous. However, interactions between two or more bubbles caused by competition for available gas cannot be considered in this model, because the diffusion region has a fixed volume with zero gas flux at its outer boundary. The present work extends the previous model to accommodate interactions among multiple bubbles by allowing the diffusion region volume of each bubble to vary during bubble evolution. For given decompression and tissue volume, bubble growth is sustained only if the bubble number density is below a certain maximum.
Document ID
20040087715
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Srinivasan, R. Srini
(Wyle Laboratories, Systems and Service Life Sciences, Houston, TX 77058-2769, United States)
Gerth, Wayne A.
Powell, Michael R.
Date Acquired
August 21, 2013
Publication Date
April 1, 2003
Publication Information
Publication: Annals of biomedical engineering
Volume: 31
Issue: 4
ISSN: 0090-6964
Subject Category
Life Sciences (General)
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other
Keywords
Evaluation Studies
NASA Center JSC
NASA Discipline Life Support Systems

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