Page 169 - International Space Station Benefits for Humanity, 3rd edition.

If additional analysis shows that the space-grown training tools so astronauts can produce diagnostic-
crystals have the desired property parameters, quality ultrasound scans autonomously.
researchers can apply that information to experiments In addition to developing an integrated ultrasound
on the ground. imaging and therapy device, goals of this ongoing
The team’s findings could help researchers better work include providing a higher degree of control
understand the crystallization process of therapeutic over scanning parameters and greater access to raw
monoclonal antibodies in general. Such knowledge ultrasound data to facilitate algorithm development,
could lead to important advances in monoclonal and developing medical ultrasound systems that
antibody drugs that could one day translate into function more readily with radiation-tolerant processes
significant improvements in quality of life for patients for deep-space missions.
with cancer and autoimmune disorders.
One of the completed FUS investigations, Prevention
of Renal Stone Complications in Space Exploration,
Using Ultrasound to Zap Kidney Stones refined capabilities previously demonstrated on human
subjects on the ground to screen for, diagnose, and
and Other Health Problems in Space treat renal stones using FUS onboard the space station.
Kidney stones, often painful and debilitating, have More than 40 papers have been published on this
long been a serious concern for astronauts. ground-based work, more than 40 patent applications
Dehydration, stasis, and bone demineralization are submitted, and the technology licensed to a spin-off
strong contributors to kidney stones and commonly company, SonoMotion Inc (http://www.sonomotion.
occur in microgravity. Astronauts have reported com/).
kidney stones, postflight, more than 30 times.
“We have shown we can produce a working prototype,
Technology currently under investigation could solve develop sufficiently high-quality imaging to guide
this and other health problems related to spaceflight. treatment, train new users, and conduct a successful
The Flexible Ultrasound System (FUS) demonstrates clinical trial,” says Principal Investigator Michael Bailey
use of a ground-tested, software-based ultrasound of the University of Washington. “We have implemented
technology in a device for deep-space missions. FUS our technologies with different probes, and our imaging
aims to provide state-of-the-art clinical internal imaging software can be added to an FUS or commercial
and additional capabilities, such as using ultrasound imager. The system, once validated in flight, largely
for therapy as well as diagnosis, and facilitating closes the gap for diagnosing and treating kidney
development of algorithms for advanced image stones on exploration missions.”
interpretation.
Future investigations onboard the space station
FUS is based on the commercial GE Vivid-E95 clinical are scheduled to continue to refine and develop
ultrasound device. Modifications by ZIN Technologies the technology for use in space.
(https://www.zin-tech.com/) incorporate advanced
capabilities that allow researchers not only to detect The system also has applications on Earth. One in
and manipulate renal stones, but also assess bone 11 Americans has suffered from kidney stones—
health, enhance healing of musculoskeletal injuries, more than have diabetes or cardiovascular disease.
monitor intracranial pressure via eye scans, and provide FUS technology can be used on any imager by any
user to improve accuracy of stone size determination.
Overestimated stone size leads to unnecessary
surgeries, and underestimated stone size leads to
obstructions and emergency room visits. A study
funded by NASA at the University of Washington
Combined with its other capabilities, tests ultrasound-based technologies for stones in
the flexible ultrasound technology the emergency department.
provides welcome relief for Determining kidney stone size similarly determines
the risk and appropriate course of action in space.
astronauts in space and people Astronauts exposed to spacefight face increased
on the ground. risk for renal stone formation. In addition, a potential
medication used to combat spaceflight-associated
neuro-ocular syndrome may also increase this risk.

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