06/05/2025
Santa Monica Vein Center
Expert Discussion
Spaceflight and Zero-Gravity pressure may induce changes in internal jugular vein hemodynamics; which may place an astronaut at higher risk of thromboembolism. Characterization of venous blood flow patterns demonstrated stagnant flow in the IJV during zero-gravity parabolic flight. Loss of tissue weight and absence of hydrostatic pressure gradients in the vascular system may contribute. The findings of this paper are interesting to those studying spaceflight patterns on physiology.
Dr. Raffy Karamanoukian is an expert in endovascular vein surgery in Los Angeles and the surgical director of the Santa Monica Vein Center.
Raffy Karamanoukian MD FACS
Los Angeles
www.karesurgery.com
