Real-time imaging of decompression gas bubble growth in the spinal cord of live rats.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To observe the growth and resolution of decompression gas bubbles in the spinal cord of live rats in real time using MRI. METHODS: We constructed an MRI-compatible pressure chamber system to visualize gas bubble dynamics in deep tissues in real time. The system pressurizes and depressurizes rodents inside an MRI scanner and monitors their respiratory rate, heart rate, and body temperature while providing gaseous anesthesia under pressure during the experiments. RESULTS: We observed the formation of decompression gas bubbles in the spinal cord of rats after compression to 7.1 bar absolute and rapid decompression inside the MRI scanner while maintaining continuous gaseous anesthesia and vital monitoring. CONCLUSION: We have shown the direct observation of decompression gas bubble formation in real time by MRI in live, anesthetized rats.