Frequently asked questions on HELIOX21®
What is HELIOX21 and when should you use it?
BOC Healthcare’s HELIOX21 is a medicinal gas mixture of 79% helium and 21% oxygen. Helium/oxygen gas mixtures have been used in the medical setting for over fifty years. Up until recently, usage was more often than not, limited to ear, nose and throat surgery for conditions such as laryngeal stridor or spasm. Original research undertaken in the 1950’s was for use in lower airways. In the past ten years further interest has been shown in using HELIOX21 therapy in the treatment of asthma and COPD.
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NextHow do you use HELIOX21?
In its simplest form, HELIOX21 is used with a non re-breathe mask. Flow rates are substantially higher when using HELIOX21 as opposed to oxygen. (12 – 15litres/min for adults and 6 -10 for paediatric use).
Which ventilators are suitable to use with HELIOX21?
- Viasys Avea
- eVent LS
- Hamilton
- Maquet Servoi
What masks/equipment should you use with it?
Non re-breathing face masks. There are a few manufacturers who supply HELIOX21 specific non re-breathing kits; such as, Intersurgical and profile respiratory systems.
Is there any clinical evidence for use?
There is a growing body of evidence to support the use of HELIOX21 across a wide range of conditions.
What flow rate should it be used at?
Depending on which delivery device is being used, flow rates at which HELIOX21 is administered can vary between 6-15litres/minute.
Which patients can/should you use HELIOX21 with?
HELIOX21 can be administered to any age group with upper/lower airway obstruction.
Can you entrain extra oxygen?
Adding any additional oxygen will reduce the benefits achieved with using HELIOX21. However, where additional oxygen is deemed necessary for the patient, oxygen up to 40% concentration may be administered.
It should be noted that if concentrations above 40% oxygen are required then you may wish to consider an alternative treatment.
Are there any contraindications?
There are no contraindications for the use of HELIOX21. Helium/oxygen mixtures augment, rather than replace, conventional treatments. HELIOX21 does not directly treat the cause of a respiratory condition, but can help relieve symptoms by improving gas exchange in the alveoli, buying time for conventional clinical treatments to take effect.
Can you nebulise with HELIOX21?
Yes you can! You will require higher flow rates when using HELIOX21 as opposed to using air or oxygen.
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