Implants in Space.....

[Frank Talk Admin]

guys,
Fiterjoc brought up the worry about flying with an implant. What would happen with depressurization? Would it blow up?
Here is response from Coloplast:

An IPP will have a small amount of air right after the implantation. This will dissipate out during the 6 week healing period. Complete depressurization should not be a problem as long as the implant is deflated and not over-filled. Let me know if he has any further questions about this.

So, the moral of the story. Do NOT attempt to become a member of the mile high club with an implant in operation. If it is not overfilled, you will be safe.
Always looking out for you guys...
Paul

[LGX_Man]

Darn Paul. The mile-high club was my next goal!

[antelope]

Paul,

"Deflated and not over-filled." Huh? If it's deflated, it should be empty, yes?

Greg

[franglais]

x

[knotreel]

If it was filled with air or any or compressable fluid ( water and most liquids are not compressable) then yes it could expand and who knows, rupture at some altitude. However since your unit is filled with a uncompressable liquid and we usually ride inside airplanes that won't happen. If you drained your unit and replaced the fluid with air and you rode in an unpressurized cabin it could expand but you would likely be dead already when any damage might occur to the implant. So don't worry.
Ron