THE GENERAL TOLERANCE AND CARDIOVASCULAR RESPONSES OF ANIMALS TO EXPLOSIVE DECOMPRESSION

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Abstract
Methods for the production and measurement of explosive decompression at a variety of rates and ranges are described. Laboratory animals show excellent tolerance to the rates and ranges of decompression studied. However, certain pathologies, notably hemorrhages in the pulmonary and gastrointestinal systems, may occur. Thoracic and abdominal distention are the outstanding responses to explosive decompression noted in all animals. One fatality in 709 decompressions can definitely be attributed to explosive decompression. Anesthetized dogs subjected to explosive decompressions of sufficient magnitude show a drop in systemic blood pressure. The extent of the blood pressure drop varies directly with the rate and range of the decompression. Bradycardia of vagal origin accompanies the severe drops which follow decompressions at rapid rates over large ranges. Increasing the resistance to expiration markedly increases the severity of blood pressure drops at a given rate and range of decompression. Distention of the lungs and increased intra-thoracic pressure, occurring when the rate of decompression of the chamber exceeds the rate at which the lungs can decompress, is considered to be the primary cause of the blood pressure drop.

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