HOUSTON , Texas, Nov. 13 (UPI) -- University of Houston researchers say they are developing a laser-based system that can diagnose decompression sickness in a matter of seconds.
Kirill Larin is developing the first optical non-invasive tool to test those most likely to suffer from decompression sickness, such as scuba divers, submariners and airplane pilots after they experience sudden, drastic changes in the air or water pressure surrounding their bodies.
Decompression sickness can cause anything from joint pain -- known as the bends -- to seizure, stroke, coma and in some cases, death.
"Most of the time, decompression sickness isn't addressed until the person starts showing clinical symptoms," Larin said in a statement. "It would be better, of course, to treat the problem before the symptoms appear. That would allow individuals to take the appropriate medical actions to reduce the side effects of decompression sickness."
Larin's optical device can locate the presence of nitrogen gas -- or microbubbles -- in blood and tissues, which can restrict the flow of blood throughout the body and cause damage. The device uses light waves in the form of lasers that bounce back when they encounter resistance, thereby providing a high-resolution image, Larin said.
