Philips reports new echocardiogram being used by Nasa

Philips has reported that Nasa, the American space agency, has been using its latest echocardiogram to find out more about the behaviour of the heart in zero-gravity situations.

Nasa scientists, using two-dimensional echocardiography measurements, previously found that astronauts lost five per cent of their heart mass, which returns upon returning to earth.

And although there are a number of theories why this happens, researchers are unsure of the precise reason.

Philips has provided its iE33 echocardiography system with QLAB quantification software, enabling scientists to take measurements like blood flow, strain rate and cardiac wall motion using three-dimensional imaging.

David S Martin of Wyle Laboratoris and ultrasound lead for the Nasa cardiovascular laboratory, remarked: “Live 3D Echo allows us to quickly grab all the image data we need to do a full examination of the heart anatomy and function and send the astronauts on their way.”

He added that the new echocardiogram technology, which utilises ultrasound, would allow the efficient conduct of “sophisticated” cardiac research, with emphasis on the effects of microgravity on astronauts.

Nasa claims that space flight can cause an excessive postural fall in stroke volume.