Anestéziológia a intenzívna medicína 2/2023

Helium and its possible use in intensive care medicine

Helium is an inert gas with unique chemical properties that have led to its extensive experimental research and subsequently its possible use in clinical setting. In experimental conditions, helium protects tissues from ischemia-reperfusion injury, improves lung ventilation and shows protectivity of the heart, the brain and endothelial cells. These positive experimental results have led to its clinical applications. Helium is most often used in diseases of the respiratory system for conditions associated with high airway resistance such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma. In critical care settings, its use is being tested in both, non-invasive and invasive mechanical ventilation. Other potential clinical applications include ischemic stroke, post-resuscitation syndrome many more. However, it must be emphasized

Keywords: helium, inhalation, tissue protection, ischemic-reperfusion injury, mechanical ventilation