Understanding and Preventing Decompression Sickness

How Clearsens’ Wearable Ultrasound is Redefining Diver Safety

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Decompression sickness (DCS), commonly known as “the bends,” is a significant risk for scuba divers, free divers, military divers, aviators, and astronauts. It occurs when dissolved inert gases, mainly nitrogen, form bubbles in the bloodstream and tissues during rapid pressure changes. These bubbles can trigger symptoms ranging from joint pain and fatigue to serious neurological or cardiovascular problems.

In this article, we’ll break down what decompression sickness is, how to prevent it, and how Clearsens’ innovative wearable ultrasound technology is transforming diver safety with real-time, non-invasive monitoring.

What is Decompression Sickness?

When diving or operating in high-pressure environments, our bodies absorb more nitrogen than they do at the surface. Ascending too quickly can prevent safe nitrogen release, causing bubbles that:

• Block or constrict blood vessels

• Damage muscle and joint tissues

• Interfere with the nervous system

Common symptoms include:

• Joint pain

• Fatigue or dizziness

• Skin rashes

• Numbness or tingling

• In severe cases, paralysis or death

Traditional Decompression Sickness Prevention

Most dive safety protocols rely on careful planning, including:

• Dive tables and computers: To calculate safe depths and ascent rates

• Safety stops: To allow nitrogen to off-gas

• Proper hydration and rest: To improve off-gassing efficiency

While effective, these strategies are not personalized, depend on compliance and estimates, rather than precise, real-time physiological monitoring.

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Clearsens Wearable Ultrasound: A Game Changer

Clearsens has introduced the first wearable ultrasound device specifically designed to monitor decompression bubbles in real time. Built with advanced CMUT (Capacitive Micromachined Ultrasonic Transducer) technology, this lightweight, low-power device continuously scans the body for bubbles during dives.

Key Advantages for Divers:

• Early Detection: Identify bubbles before symptoms develop.

• Continuous Monitoring: Get actionable insights during the entire dive profile.

• AI-Powered Analysis: Personalized safety feedback to optimize future dives.

• Portable and Comfortable: Lightweight and unobtrusive, perfect for extended missions.

Broader Applications Beyond Diving

Clearsens technology isn’t just for divers. The same wearable ultrasound platform is making an impact in:

• Aerospace: Monitoring astronauts during EVAs (extravehicular activities).

• Military & Aviation: Supporting high-altitude pilots and personnel.

• Medical Research: Enhancing studies on muscle research (sports medicine) and continuous monitoring body composition and metabolic health

Why Real-Time Monitoring Matters

By merging precision imaging with wearable convenience, Clearsens enables:

• Reduced downtime from dive-related injuries

• Safer training and operational missions

• Better data for health and performance optimization

With real-time physiological monitoring, divers, pilots, astronauts and athletes can finally move from reactive treatment to proactive prevention.

Learn More

Discover how Clearsens’ wearable decompression safety solutions can protect your team and enhance your operations.

Visit www.clearsens.com to learn more about our technology, research partnerships, and deployment opportunities.