[Comparative study of decompression-induced formation of gas bubbles using ultrasonic equipment and the development of altitude-decompression disorders].

442 altitude experiments on 40 volunteers were performed. Gas bubbles in venous blood were detected using an ultrasonic Doppler system functioning in a continuous mode at a frequency of 5 MHz. The threshold of bubble formation was identified in 31 test subjects and that of emergency of altitude-decompression disorders, in 28 test subjects. Individual resistance to decompression-induced bubbles was revealed. It was shown that the thresholds may vary with time, in the head-down position and in the head-down position combined with exercises. A correlation was established between the rate of intravascular bubble formation and the frequency of altitude-decompression disorders.