B.C. Anesthesiologist Investigates Anesthetic Effects in Space

Dr. Matthew Turnock, an anesthesiologist from British Columbia, recently conducted groundbreaking research into how anesthetic drugs behave in microgravity conditions. This unique project involved Turnock and his team experiencing true weightlessness aboard an Airbus A310 as they explored the challenges of administering anesthetics in space. The research is significant for future space missions where proper anesthetic management is crucial for astronaut safety.

The need for this investigation stems from the complexities of using anesthetics in a zero-gravity environment. Turnock explained that administering anesthetics can pose serious risks, particularly given that many are inhaled. “If there’s an accidental circuit disconnection, the entire crew of a spacecraft could be anesthetized, which would be a really bad thing,” he stated.

To address these challenges, Turnock and his colleagues created a model of a human spinal canal using CT images, filled with simulated spinal fluid. This model allowed them to analyze the effects of anesthetics in a controlled environment. “There’s a chance the medication could float up to the brain. Sometimes we see that here on Earth. We call it a high spinal,” Turnock noted.

The next phase of their research took them to France, where they utilized the Airbus A310 to simulate microgravity conditions. The aircraft performed parabolic flights, climbing to a peak and then descending to create periods of weightlessness. “Every time the aircraft crests that peak, you get about 25 seconds of zero gravity. And it’s not simulated; it’s real zero gravity, exactly how an astronaut would feel in space,” Turnock explained.

During these weightless moments, the team conducted experiments to understand how anesthetic agents behave without the influence of gravity. Contrary to their initial hypothesis, they found that the anesthetic did not spread effectively in microgravity. “The medication doesn’t spread enough for it to work, but there are things we can investigate to perhaps promote the spread of medication,” Turnock said.

This unexpected finding has opened up new avenues for research. The team is now focused on developing methods to enhance the effectiveness of anesthetic delivery in space. “All this has led to more questions—and a quest by the team to find answers through future space research,” Turnock added.

The project involved collaboration with Dr. Alex Suen, an anesthesiologist; Dr. Siobhan Wagner, an anesthesiology resident; and Adrian Tabari, a medical student from the University of British Columbia. Funding for the research was provided by the Canadian Space Agency.

As space exploration advances, understanding how medical practices, including anesthesia, adapt to unique environments will be increasingly important. Turnock’s research not only contributes to the field of space medicine but also highlights the innovative spirit of Canadian scientists working towards ensuring astronaut safety in the next frontier of human exploration.