More than 3,000 divers are treated for decompression sickness each year, with many more untreated and unreported. Decompression sickness develops during the ascent of a dive as bubbles of nitrogen expand and cause tissue damage. Students at Worcester Polytechnic Institute are currently developing a new method of avoiding decompression sickness using pathologic indicators in a subject's electrocardiogram. The purpose of this particular project was to determine whether underwater heart rate monitoring (UHRM) is financially viable in the diving market. Based on the research conducted in this review, UHRM shows promise, particularly in the military market. Moving forward, the inventors will need to complete development of the product and its components and build awareness of its capabilities.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• French, Katherine King

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-120911-155016

Advisor

• Vassallo, Helen G.

Year

• 2011

Date created

• 2011-12-09

Location

• Worcester

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Management Engineering

Rights statement

• In Copyright