Atelectasis Formation: Role of Positive Pressure Breathing, Hyperoxia, and Hypobaria

The primary aim of this project is to get further knowledge of the physiology of flight atelectasis and its prevention. We seek to: 1) assess whether low levels of positive pressure breathing can prevent atelectasis formation in humans during exposure to hyperoxia and +Gz-accelerations. 2) get further knowledge on the effects of hypobaria on regional ventilation and perfusion. A secondary aim is to evaluate the effect of anti G-trouser inflation on ventilation and regional perfusion.