Title:
Behaviour of spinal anesthesia in low-gravity environments
Agreement Number:
25HLSHANA4
Agreement Value:
$204,000.00
Agreement Date:
Jul 22, 2025 - Jul 15, 2027
Description:
The use of inhaled volatile anesthetics presents an occupational hazard to a crew from unintentional exposure during a leak or accidental disconnection. Spinal anesthesia presents one opportunity to provide safe anesthesia for a variety of surgical procedures. The onset, duration, and spread of spinal anesthesia depends on the natural curvature of the spinal column, and the relationship relies exclusively on gravity, and the effect of low-gravity environments on the behaviour of spinal anesthesia is unknown. The research team aims to investigate the behaviour of common spinal anesthetic medications in reduced gravity conditions using a 3D printed model of a spinal canal obtained from CT images. They expect that baricity will play a negligible impact on anesthetic spread once gravity is removed.
Organization:
Canadian Space Agency
Expected Results:
The Research component of the program provides financial support to organizations to conduct space related research and development in priority areas. It will support targeted knowledge development and innovation to sustain and enhance the Canadian capacity to use space to address national needs and priorities in the future.
Location:
Vancouver, British Columbia, CA V6T 1Z3
Reference Number:
003-2025-2026-Q2-00093
Report Type:
Grants and Contributions
Recipient's Legal Name:
University of British Columbia
Program:
Class Grant and Contribution Program to Support Research, Awareness and Learning in Space Science and Technolog
Program Purpose:
This program supports knowledge development and innovation in the CSA's priority areas while increasing the awareness and participation of Canadians in space-related disciplines and activities.
The Research Component aims to support the development of science and technology; foster the continual development of a critical mass of researchers and highly qualified people in Canada; and support information gathering and space-related studies and research pertaining to Canadian Space Agency priorities.