ZJU Develops "Non-invasive Cardiac Output Monitor" for Shenzhou 11 Astronauts

Shenzhou 11, a manned spaceflight of the Shenzhou program of China, was successfully launched on October 17, 2016. Before that, a non-invasive cardiac output monitor developed by Zhejiang  University had been “waiting for” astronauts at the Tiangong 2 space laboratory and it will monitor and analyze such physiological parameters as heart rates, blood pressure and oxygen saturation for them, thereby ensuring their healthy condition.

The College of Biomedical Engineering & Instrument Science, Zhejiang  University, has long collaborated with the Astronaut Research and Training Center of China. In 1977, Zhejiang University pioneered the establishment of the Department of Biomedical Engineering. As a first-tier key discipline, it has been at the cutting-edge of research and development. As of September 2006, the two sides have worked in collaboration with each other to develop a non-invasive cardiac output monitor to gratify the high demands for medical equipment for astronauts.

On September 29, 2011, the non-invasive cardiac output monitor was carried into space by the Tiangong 1 Target Spacecraft. On June 16, 2012, Shenzhou 9 was launched and docked with Tiangong 1. Three astronauts, including Liu Yang, underwent non-invasive monitoring of blood pressure and cardiac parameters by means of the non-invasive cardiac output monitor and relevant data were successfully transmitted to the ground. On June 2013, the monitor carried out physiological monitoring for 3 astronauts on Shenzhou 10 effectively and efficiently.

In the past decade, the College of Biomedical Engineering & Instrument Science has partnered with the Astronaut Research and Training Center of China in various fields, including medical information technology, medical imaging technology, physiological monitoring devices in the space environment, and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular research in the space environment. After the non-invasive cardiac output monitor was applied to Tiangong 1, the research team proceeded with the development of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular monitoring devices.

To deepen cooperation and promote development, the Astronaut Research and Training Center of China-College of Biomedical Engineering & Instrument Science Joint Laboratory is set to be established. It is believed that the College of Biomedical Engineering & Instrument Science will bring into full play its interdisciplinary strength and research power and make more contributions to building China into a space power.