Evaluation of ultrasonic bubble detectors in vitro using calibrated microbubbles at selected velocities. |
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Authors: | B A Hills D C Grulke |
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Institution: | Department of Physiology, Queen Elizabeth College, Campden Hill Road, London W8 7 AH, UK |
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Abstract: | Two standard Doppler ultrasonic devices, currently used for detecting bubbles in vivo, have been evaluated and compared in vitro using carefully calibrated uniform micro-bubbles rising at terminal velocity through a static aqueous medium. Two unexpected findings were observed: (a) the focal length of the transducer apparently decreases for smaller bubble sizes, and (b) a significant horizontal convection current was produced by one of the instruments. When the medium was in motion, it was found that the sensitivity varied markedly with bubble velocity, varying from a minimum detectable diameter of 40 mum at 55 cm/sec to 170 mum at 20 cm/sec. These findings are discussed with regard to the limitations of the Doppler technique for monitoring gas emboli in vivo and as an early warning for decompression sickness in divers. |
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