RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Opportunities and Risks of Using Heliox in Your Clinical Practice
JF Respiratory Care
FD American Association for Respiratory Care
SP 651
OP 660
VO 51
IS 6
A1 Fink, James B
YR 2006
UL http://rc.rcjournal.com/content/51/6/651.abstract
AB Helium-oxygen mixture (heliox) has been advocated for clinical use since 1934, and there has been a growing array of clinical applications. Until recently, administering heliox has required juryrigging by modifications and/or extension of available devices not designed for use with heliox. This paper reviews devices required to administer heliox and considers how devices designed to deliver air and/or oxygen have been adapted for use with heliox. Use of devices outside of their design limits adds risk and liability, whereas using Food-and-Drug-Administration cleared devices for heliox administration reduces the risk and liability.