Appendix H: Characterization of the Intracranial Venous System following Spaceflight - Roberts

We have previously shown that astronauts of long-duration missions aboard the International Space Station (ISS) experience an upward shift of the brain, compression of cortical veins, and crowding of eloquent brain tissue at the vertex along the superior sagittal sinus (SSS). We hypothesize these anatomical changes may impede venous outflow from the cranium resulting in decreased blood flow through the internal jugular veins (IJVs.) Supporting this hypothesis, there have been recent reports of astronauts experiencing abnormal venous outflow from the head and in at least one case, an astronaut was found to have asymptomatic IJV thrombosis.

In addition, increased intracranial pressure (ICP) and papilledema have also been documented in NASA astronauts following long-term missions aboard the ISS months to years after spaceflight which NASA has named the Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS). Some researchers have hypothesized that venous outflow obstruction may play a role in the development of SANS.

Here, we aim to characterize the response of the intracranial venous system to spaceflight, evaluate for any evidence of venous congestion or brain edema post-flight, and correlate those findings to intracranial pressure at spinal tap in astronauts with and without SANS. The study will include a total of 12 astronauts: (1.) six astronauts with documented signs of SANS, and (2.) 6 astronauts without signs of SANS matched for gender, approximate age, and approximate mission duration will serve as controls.

This proposed study directly addresses a significant health risk that was recently identified in ISS astronauts (abnormal venous blood flow and IJV thrombosis). This study will also provide evidence concerning the role intracranial venous physiology may play in the develop of SANS in susceptible astronauts.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.