An N
2 washout measurement was applied in the hyperbaric heliox environment to estimate lung ventilation distribution. In this procedure, N
2 lung content was flushed by the inhalation of an N
2 free gas. The purpose of the measurement was to investigate change in ventilation distribution in a hyperbaric environment which was created by the use of a deep diving simulator. Physiological parameters measured were respiratory gas concentrations (F
N2, F
Ar, F
CO2, F
O2, F
He and F
H2O), respiratory flow rate and temperature.
The respiratory gas concentrations, flow, and temperature were simultaneously measured in a breath-by-breath fashion in the full pattern and digitally recorded with high accuracy and response. Concentration and flow of each breath were examined on a CRT and corrected as required prior to recording on a data base system. The corrections were made to compensate for gas leakage to and from the gas circuit, the electronic drift and noise.
In this experiment, a mass spectrometer to analyze respiratory gas concentrations and an amplifier to enhance readings, were placed outside the hyperbaric chamber for reading of a Fleish pheumotachometer and thermistor sensors.
In order to be analyzed, it was necessary to introduce the respiratory gas sample through the large pressure difference. Concentrations of physiological gases were decreased with the increased ambient pressure of He balance.
Other technical points to be resolved were mass spectrometer and flow meter calibrations under hyperbaric conditions. The computer-assisted measurement was also used to conduct the complex procedure. The technical problems which were encountered are discussed in this study.
The experimental results obtained at 12, 18 and 31 ATA (equivalent to depths of 110, 170 and 300m) are shown in comparison with results in the atmospheric environment.
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