Maximum likelihood analysis of bubble incidence for mixed gas diving.

The method of maximum likelihood has been applied to predict the incidence of bubbling in divers for both air and helium diving. Data were obtained from 108 air man-dives and 622 helium man-dives conducted experimentally in a hyperbaric chamber. Divers were monitored for bubbles using Doppler ultrasonics during the period from surfacing until approximately 2 h after surfacing. Bubble grades were recorded according to the K-M code, and the maximum value in the precordial region for each diver was used in the likelihood analysis. Prediction models were based on monoexponential gas kinetics using one and two parallel-compartment configurations. The model parameters were of three types: gas kinetics, gas potency, and compartment gain. When the potency of the gases was not distinguished, the risk criterion used was inherently based on the gas supersaturation ratio, otherwise it was based on the potential bubble volume. The two-compartment model gave a significantly better prediction than the one-compartment model only if the kinetics of nitrogen and helium were distinguished. A further significant improvement with the two-compartment model was obtained when the potency of the two gases was distinguished, thereby making the potential bubble volume criterion a better choice than the gas pressure criterion. The results suggest that when the method of maximum likelihood is applied for the prediction of the incidence of bubbling, more than one compartment should be used and if more than one is used consideration should be given to distinguishing the potencies of the inert gases.