Heliox

1
Heliox

• Heliox Gas Use in Clinical Respiratory Care

2
Objectives

• Discuss History of Heliox
• Discuss Physics of Heliox
• Indications for Heliox Administration
• Discuss Clinical Goals
• Heliox Administration
• Discuss Hazards and Problems of Heliox
  administration
• Discuss Assessment of Outcomes

3
What is Heliox?

• Heliox (HeO2)- A mixture of pure helium and
  oxygen in gaseous form
• Most common combination of 80/20 and 70/30
• In 1934, Alvan Barach first used it for medical
  purposes
• After World War II, availability of improved
  bronchodilators made less use of heliox clinically

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Physics of Heliox

• Helium is 2nd lightest element
• When mixed with O2, reduces the density
• Gas Density(kg/m3) Viscosity(µP)
• Air 1.20 183
• 100 O2 1.33 204
• Heliox 70/30 0.52 199
• Heliox 80/20 0.40 198

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Indications for Heliox Administration

• Asthma patients
• Severe airflow obstruction PEFlt30
• A history of labile asthma
• Previous tracheal intubation for asthma
• Inability to be adequately ventilated on
  mechanical ventilation

6
Clinical Goals and Outcomes

• Decrease airway resistance for flow
• Decrease WOB
• Decrease PaCO2 and dyspnea
• Increase ventilation and gas exchange
• Improve lung deposition of inhaled aerosol
  particles

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Heliox Administration

• It should be started ASAP
• It should be used for at least 1hr but not more
  than 8hrs
• It should be discontinue if no subjective or
  objective improvement within a few min
• The more severe condition, higher percentage of
  helium

8
Hazards and Problems

• Most of studies results shown to be safe to admit
• Exhaled aerosol or patient coughing may spread
  active pulmonary infectious
• Cost
• Equipments
• Needs to use nonrebreathing mask
• Educational sessions to be set up

9
Assessment of Outcomes

• Decreased WOB- HR, RR, BP, accessory muscles
• Improved Pulmonary Function Test
• FVC, FEV1, PIF
• Improved blood gas value- pH, PaO2, PaCO2
• Improved patient comfort level