Wearable cardiac ultrasound imager

Astronauts performing extravehicular activities (EVAs) face a heightened risk of decompression sickness (DCS) due to the formation of venous gas emboli (VGE) during pressure transitions. Current monitoring methods rely on transthoracic or transesophageal echocardiography, which are impractical in space environments due to their invasiveness, bulkiness, and operator dependence. To address this limitation, we propose the development of a non-invasive, wearable ultrasound patch capable of real-time, continuous cardiac imaging and automated VGE detection within an EVA suit. The proposed skin-conformal ultrasound device integrates a stretchable piezoelectric transducer array with a wireless electronic control circuit, allowing real-time data transmission to a portable device (e.g., a smartphone). The system employs deep learning-based image analysis to detect and quantify VGE, providing an automated Eftedal-Brubakk score to assess DCS risk. The low-profile, flexible design ensures minimal interference with astronaut mobility while maintaining high-resolution imaging comparable to conventional ultrasound systems. Phase I will focus on: 1. Developing a high-resolution stretchable ultrasound transducer array optimized for cardiac imaging within the constraints of an EVA suit. 2. Implementing beamforming algorithms for enhanced penetration depth and field of view to acquire an apical four-chamber (A4C) view. 3. Designing a deep-learning model for real-time VGE detection, quantification, and automated risk scoring. 4. Validating system safety using standard ultrasound evaluation metrics. This technology has significant implications beyond space applications, including terrestrial aerospace, deep-sea diving, and clinical embolism monitoring. It represents a transformative advancement for diagnostics in extreme environments, ensuring astronaut safety during space exploration.

The proposed wearable ultrasound patch directly supports NASA’s mission directives by enhancing astronaut health monitoring and mitigating DCS risks during extravehicular activities EVAs. As NASA prepares for sustained lunar and Martian surface operations, astronauts will face prolonged exposure to partial-gravity environments, increasing the likelihood of VGE formation due to pressure transitions, workload variations, and suit mobility constraints. The ability to continuously and autonomously monitor cardiac function and detect VGE in real time is critical for ensuring astronaut safety. The proposed ultrasound skin patch offers a non-invasive and wearable solution that eliminates the need for bulky handheld ultrasound probes, which are impractical inside EVA suits. By integrating wireless data transmission with AI-driven image analysis, the device can provide automated risk assessment of DCS using the Eftedal-Brubakk scoring system, enabling early intervention and decision support for flight surgeons. This technology aligns with NASA’s Artemis program and Lunar Gateway initiatives, where astronauts will conduct long-duration missions in microgravity and partial gravity. By integrating real-time ultrasound diagnostics into spacesuits or habitat medical systems, this innovation enhances crew health monitoring, reduces reliance on Earth-based medical support, and extends mission durations without increasing spacecraft medical infrastructure. Beyond DCS monitoring, this ultrasound patch could be adapted for broader cardiovascular, pulmonary, and musculoskeletal assessments, supporting NASA’s goal of developing autonomous medical systems for deep-space exploration. The technology is also applicable to hypogravity adaptation studies aboard the International Space Station, enabling continuous in-flight physiological monitoring without interfering with astronaut mobility. The proposed wearable ultrasound patch presents significant commercialization opportunities in healthcare, aerospace, military, and extreme environment operations. By enabling real-time and continuous monitoring of VGE and cardiovascular function, this technology extends beyond space applications into terrestrial medicine and industry-specific health monitoring. 1. Clinical Healthcare & Emergency Medicine -Embolism Monitoring: Non-invasive detection of VGE and thromboembolic events in high-risk patients, including those undergoing surgery, dialysis, or prolonged immobilization. -Cardiac Imaging: Portable, continuous cardiac monitoring for heart failure, arrhythmias, and stroke risk assessment, reducing dependence on large hospital-based ultrasound machines. -Point-of-Care & Telemedicine: Remote cardiovascular monitoring in rural and underserved areas, enhancing telehealth capabilities for early diagnosis and intervention. 2. Aerospace & High-Altitude Aviation -Pilot & Crew Health Monitoring: Real-time embolism and decompression monitoring for military and commercial pilots exposed to high-altitude pressure fluctuations. -Commercial Spaceflight: Health assessment for space tourists and private astronauts, supporting companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Virgin Galactic in ensuring passenger safety. 3. Diving & Underwater Operations -Scuba & Commercial Diving Safety: Early detection of DCS in deep-sea divers, minimizing risks in oil and gas, marine research, and military diving operations. -Navy SEAL & Special Forces Applications: Tactical use for submarine personnel and underwater demolition teams, ensuring safe surfacing protocols. 4. Military & First Responder Use -Field Deployable Trauma Assessment: Portable ultrasound for battlefield medics and emergency responders, enabling rapid triage of cardiovascular injuries and shock conditions.

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.