This course will provide an overview of heliox therapy via video review, examine the risks and opportunities when using heliox, look at heliox use in critical care, review the use of heliox with regard to COPD and NIV, and review the use of heliox with mechanical ventilation.
Helium-Oxygen mixtures have been used therapeutically as far back as 1935. The major benefit of heliox comes from its lower density and improvement in flow dynamics and therefore, is primarily used for treatment of upper airway obstructions, croup, and post-extubation stridor.