Abstract
Doppler ultrasound (DU) measurements are used to detect and evaluate venous gas emboli (VGE) formed after decompression. Automated methodologies for assessing VGE presence using signal processing have been developed on varying real-world datasets of limited size and without ground truth values preventing objective evaluation. We develop and report a method to generate synthetic post-dive data using DU signals collected in both precordium and subclavian vein with varying degrees of bubbling matching field-standard grading metrics. This method is adaptable, modifiable, and reproducible, allowing for researchers to tune the produced dataset for their desired purpose. We provide the baseline Doppler recordings and code required to generate synthetic data for researchers to reproduce our work and improve upon it. We also provide a set of pre-made synthetic post-dive DU data spanning six scenarios representing the Spencer and Kisman-Masurel (KM) grading scales as well as precordial and subclavian DU recordings. By providing a method for synthetic post-dive DU data generation, we aim to improve and accelerate the development of signal processing techniques for VGE analysis in Doppler ultrasound.
Funder
Office of Naval Research
University of North Carolina
North Carolina State University
Publisher
Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Reference28 articles.
1. Decompression Sickness and Arterial Gas Embolism;SJ Mitchell;N Engl J Med,2022
2. Decompression illness;RD Vann;Lancet,2011
3. A critical review of physiological bubble formation in hyperbaric decompression;V Papadopoulou;Adv Colloid Interface Sci,2013
4. Sample size requirement for comparison of decompression outcomes using ultrasonically detected venous gas emboli (VGE): power calculations using Monte Carlo resampling from real data;DJ Doolette;Diving Hyperb Med,2014
5. An echo from the past: Building a Doppler repository for big data in diving research;V Papadopoulou;Undersea Hyperb Med J Undersea Hyperb Med Soc Inc,2021