Helium-oxygen therapy in the emergency department.
Publication/Presentation Date
1-1-1997
Abstract
Helium is an inert gas with unique physical properties that allow it to be used for various respiratory emergencies. Because of its low specific gravity and low viscosity, the passage of helium through the respiratory tract is smoother, more laminar, and less turbulent than either air or oxygen. These properties have prompted the use of helium and oxygen in patients with airway obstructions due to tumor, foreign body, edema, or bronchoconstriction. Helium-oxygen has been used to facilitate bronchoscopy through small diameter endotracheal tubes and to increase the effectiveness of high-frequency jet ventilation. Helium has been successful in the treatment of spinal cord decompression sickness seen in divers. Helium-oxygen mixtures are commercially available and may be useful in the emergency department to treat patients with airway obstruction. This article reviews literature concerning the use of helium-oxygen gas mixtures in the emergency department. Additional research conducted in the future may further define the use of this unique gas mixture in the emergency department.
Volume
15
Issue
3
First Page
291
Last Page
296
ISSN
0736-4679
Published In/Presented At
McGee, D. L., Wald, D. A., & Hinchliffe, S. (1997). Helium-oxygen therapy in the emergency department. The Journal of emergency medicine, 15(3), 291–296. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0736-4679(97)00008-5
Disciplines
Business Administration, Management, and Operations | Health and Medical Administration | Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
PubMedID
9258776
Department(s)
Administration and Leadership
Document Type
Article