Evolution of relation P1(P2) describing saturation decompressions after air hyperbaric expositions.
The basic problem in decompression is the limit of maximum tolerable change of pressure after diving. Due to the number of parameters involved in decompression models (bottom time, ambient pressure, exposition profile, content of breathing mixtures, properties of inert gases) the number of possible solutions is theoretically unlimited. Since the beginning of modern decompression models the starting point has been direct saturation decompression using air. The generally accepted form of solution is the linear relation between tolerable pressure P2 after saturation exposition to pressure P1 described by the equation in the form P1 = P2 x A + B, where A and B are parameters obtained by experiments. Since the introduction of this equation values of parameters have been changing in order to decrease the rate of decompression illness. The aim of this study was to analyse and interpret the trend of those changes. Sixteen published models, including the one developed in our center, were compared and gradual change of parameters was identified. This trend should result in safer decompression systems.
Sicko
Zdzisław
Z
National Center for Hyperbaric Medicine, Institute of Maritime and Tropical Medicine, Powstania Styczniowego 9B, Gdynia 81-519, Poland.
Kot
Jacek
J
Doboszyński
Tadeusz
T
D003664:Decompression / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003665:Decompression Sickness / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D004242:Diving / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D006931:Hyperbaric Oxygenation; D008433:Mathematics; D008962:Models, Theoretical