University of Waterloo|Université de Waterloo

Purpose

Spaceflights pose risk on the cerebrovascular health of astronauts because humans are not accustomed to living under microgravity conditions. To facilitate cerebrovascular health assessments, it is essential to monitor cerebral blood flow accurately. This project will seek to advance the state-of-art in monitoring cerebral blood flow in astronauts (and humans on Earth) by designing a new non-invasive diagnostic tool that can robustly measure the volume flow rate through the internal carotid artery that supplies circulation to the brain. These space physiology investigations and engineering innovations will be crucial for understanding the cerebrovascular health risks of human spaceflights, especially for long-term space missions to Mars that require multiple years of space travel. Our research investigations will also directly benefit cerebrovascular health monitoring on Earth, particularly in facilitating early detection of cerebral hypoperfusion. As the elderly population is especially at risk of experiencing cerebral perfusion problems, the outcomes of this project will serve well to address diagnostic needs in promoting health aging of the elderly (and the overall Canadian population). In addition, the proposed technology will be relevant for use in remote, resource-limited communities in rural Canada. Moreover, from a talent development perspective, this project will foster several trainees to develop multidisciplinary expertise at the frontiers of space physiology and ultrasound technology. In turn, it will help Canada build an outstanding talent pool for medical device innovations.