Helium is an inert, colorless, and odorless gas widely used in medicine. Its unique properties make it ideal for medical applications, where precision and safety are crucial. This article discusses the medical use of helium, highlighting its role in diagnostic tools, treatments, and medical research.
Helium is a second most abundant chemical element in the universe with symbol He and atomic number 2. It is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, non-toxic, inert, monatomic gas located at the top of the noble gases on the periodic table. Its boiling and melting points are the lowest among all the elements. Its clinical benefit in inhalation therapy arises from its advantageous physical properties than ambient air. Helium has lower density than air and generates less resistance than to provide improved lung ventilation. It is also used as an analytical reagent in diagnostic/imaging tests to detect respiratory function of the patient.
What Is Helium and How Does It Benefit Medicine?
Helium is a noble gas, meaning it does not react chemically with other elements. Its non-reactive nature and low boiling point make it essential in several medical fields. By supporting advanced medical technologies, helium helps improve patient care and treatment accuracy.
Key Medical Applications of Helium
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) Cooling
MRI machines rely on helium to cool their superconducting magnets. This cooling process keeps the magnets at low temperatures, enabling optimal performance. Without helium, the machines would not produce the high-quality images needed for accurate diagnoses. - Respiratory Treatments
Helium is often mixed with oxygen to create a lighter, easier-to-breathe gas mixture. This combination helps patients with respiratory conditions, such as asthma or COPD, by reducing the effort required for inhalation. Helium’s low density improves airflow and makes breathing less strenuous. - Cryogenics in Medicine
Helium’s low boiling point also makes it vital for cryogenic applications. In medical cryogenics, it preserves biological samples, such as tissues and organs, by keeping them at extremely low temperatures. This preservation process is key to organ donation and research. - Pulmonary Function Testing
In pulmonary function tests, helium is used to assess lung volumes. This technique helps doctors measure how well a patient’s lungs work, providing valuable data for diagnosing respiratory diseases and planning treatments.
Helium in Medical Research
Helium also plays an important role in medical research. Scientists use the gas in experimental setups that require precise temperature control. Additionally, helium supports the development of new diagnostic technologies and therapies, aiding breakthroughs in medical science.
Safety Considerations for Medical Use of Helium
Though helium is safe for most medical applications, it must be handled carefully. Inhalation of pure helium can displace oxygen, leading to suffocation. Therefore, it is essential to use it in controlled environments, especially in respiratory treatments. Liquid helium also requires careful handling to prevent injuries like frostbite.
Conclusion
The medical use of helium is essential across a range of healthcare applications. From cooling MRI machines to aiding in respiratory treatments, helium’s unique properties make it a valuable resource. Its continued use and development will enhance patient care and drive innovations in medical technology.
