Anaesthesia in outer space: the ultimate ambulatory setting?
File(s)
Accepted version
Author(s)
Komorowski, M
Fleming, SE
Hinkelbein, J
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Purpose of review:
Missions to the Moon or more distant planets are planned in the next future, and will push back the limits of our experience in providing medical support in remote environments. Medical preparedness is ongoing, and involves planning for emergency surgical interventions and anaesthetic procedures. This review will summarise what principles of ambulatory anaesthesia on Earth could benefit the environment of a space mission with its unique constraints.
Recent findings:
Ambulatory anaesthesia relies on several principles such as improved patient pathway, correct patient selection, optimised procedural strategies to hasten recovery, and active prevention of post-operative complications. Severe limitations in the equipment available and the skills of the crew members represent key factors to take into account when designing the on-board medical system for future interplanetary space missions.
Summary:
The application of some of the key principles of ambulatory anaesthesia, as well as recent advances in anaesthetic techniques and better understanding of human adaptation to the space environment might allow non-anaesthesiologists physicians to perform common anaesthetic procedures, whilst maximising crew safety and minimising the impact of medical events on the mission.
Missions to the Moon or more distant planets are planned in the next future, and will push back the limits of our experience in providing medical support in remote environments. Medical preparedness is ongoing, and involves planning for emergency surgical interventions and anaesthetic procedures. This review will summarise what principles of ambulatory anaesthesia on Earth could benefit the environment of a space mission with its unique constraints.
Recent findings:
Ambulatory anaesthesia relies on several principles such as improved patient pathway, correct patient selection, optimised procedural strategies to hasten recovery, and active prevention of post-operative complications. Severe limitations in the equipment available and the skills of the crew members represent key factors to take into account when designing the on-board medical system for future interplanetary space missions.
Summary:
The application of some of the key principles of ambulatory anaesthesia, as well as recent advances in anaesthetic techniques and better understanding of human adaptation to the space environment might allow non-anaesthesiologists physicians to perform common anaesthetic procedures, whilst maximising crew safety and minimising the impact of medical events on the mission.
Date Issued
2016-08-31
Date Acceptance
2016-08-16
Citation
Current Opinion in Anesthesiology, 2016, 29 (6), pp.649-654
ISSN
1473-6500
Publisher
Wolters Kluwer
Start Page
649
End Page
654
Journal / Book Title
Current Opinion in Anesthesiology
Volume
29
Issue
6
Copyright Statement
© 2016 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.
Sponsor
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) & alumni
Subjects
1102 Cardiovascular Medicine And Haematology
1103 Clinical Sciences
1117 Public Health And Health Services
Anesthesiology
Publication Status
Published