title: Supersaturation by counterperfusion and diffusion of gases.
abstract: Gaseous supersaturation can be induced under steady-state conditions when two inert gases are transmitted in opposite directions across any system comprising a diffusion barrier adjacent to a zone of limited convective capacity. This has many implications for bubble formation in vivo and can explain the occurence of symptoms of decompression sickness without decompression.
mesh_terms: D003665:Decompression Sickness / Q000209:etiology; D004058:Diffusion; D004618:Embolism, Air / Q000209:etiology; D008954:Models, Biological; D005741:Noble Gases; D010477:Perfusion
chemical_list: D005741:Noble Gases