Science
NASA health panel advises against universal astronaut screening for heart condition
A medical working group advised against disqualifying astronauts with patent foramen ovale, NASA News reports.
The short version
- A NASA working group concluded that universal screening or exclusion of astronauts with large patent foramen ovales is unnecessary.[NASA News]
- The presence of a patent foramen ovale is not viewed as a major risk factor for venous thromboembolism formation, leaving selection criteria unchanged.[NASA News]
- Researchers recommended that ground-based studies stop excluding participants solely due to left ventricular gas emboli.[NASA News]
- Experts remain divided on whether screening or closing large heart openings reduces significant mission health risks.[NASA News]
Key facts
- The NASA working group recommended against implementing universal screening or excluding astronauts with large patent foramen ovales.[NASA News]
- Astronaut selection standards related to patent foramen ovales will not change regarding venous thromboembolism risks.[NASA News]
- Ground-based research studies should no longer dismiss participants solely because of left ventricular gas emboli.[NASA News]
- Clear clinical guidance is required regarding medication use before extravehicular activities across all crew members.[NASA News]
What remains uncertain
- Working group members held mixed opinions regarding whether screening out or closing large patent foramen ovales significantly reduces mission health risks.[NASA News]
- The predictive value of bubble scores for decompression sickness remains uncertain, particularly for operations on the lunar surface.[NASA News]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.