What Is Helium Used for in Hospitals?

In modern healthcare, helium is used for MRI machines, respiratory therapy, and various medical procedures. Its unique properties make it irreplaceable in several hospital applications.

This guide covers some of the most popular use cases to explain how widespread and indispensable helium is. We’ll also discuss how to manage and conserve this valuable material effectively.

The Critical Role of Helium in MRI Technology

Medical Resonance Imaging (MRI) machines are among the most important uses of helium in hospitals. These sophisticated diagnostic tools require liquid helium to ensure their superconducting magnets maintain the extremely cold temperatures necessary for their operation.

The superconducting magnets in MRI machines must be kept at approximately -452.1°F (-269°C) to function properly. Only liquid helium can maintain these ultra-low temperatures consistently and efficiently.

Without helium, modern MRI technology likely wouldn’t exist. A conventional MRI machine requires between 1,500 and 2,000 liters of liquid helium to operate effectively.

Respiratory Therapy Applications

Helium helps manage and treat various respiratory conditions through its use in heliox therapy. This treatment combines helium with oxygen to create a breathing mixture that’s easier for patients to inhale.

Heliox typically contains 70-80% helium and 20-30% oxygen. The lower density of this mixture compared to regular air makes it easier for patients with respiratory distress to breathe.

This therapy particularly benefits patients with conditions like:

• Severe asthma
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Upper airway obstruction

The lighter gas mixture reduces breathing struggles and helps deliver oxygen more efficiently to the lungs.

Surgical and Specialized Medical Procedures

In surgical settings, helium is emerging as an alternative to carbon dioxide for laparoscopic procedures. Some surgeons prefer helium for abdominal insufflation during minimally invasive surgeries.

Helium offers advantages over carbon dioxide, especially for patients with respiratory issues. It doesn’t cause the same level of respiratory acidosis that can occur with CO2 use.

The gas also shows promise in protecting organs during certain medical procedures. Research indicates potential protective effects on the heart during procedures that might restrict blood flow.

Advanced Medical Research and Development

Beyond its common applications, helium continues to enable innovation in medical research. For example, scientists use helium ion microscopy for ultra-detailed imaging of biological samples.

This technology enables researchers to examine cellular structures with unprecedented clarity. Such detailed visualization helps advance our understanding of diseases and potential treatments.

Helium’s role in medical research extends to studying its potential neuroprotective properties. Early research suggests it might help protect brain tissue during certain medical procedures.

Managing and Conserving Helium in Healthcare

Helium’s availability is quite limited, which affects its overall high costs. That’s why healthcare facilities must carefully manage their supply.

Many hospitals now implement helium recycling systems for their MRI machines, which can capture and reuse up to 95% of the helium used in MRI operations. This conservation effort helps maintain a stable supply while reducing operational costs.

Regular maintenance and monitoring of helium-dependent equipment enable efficient use of this valuable material. Proper management helps prevent unnecessary waste and ensures availability for critical procedures.

Explore Helium’s Many Medical Uses

The medical applications of helium continue to expand as researchers discover new uses for this versatile element. From diagnostic imaging to therapeutic treatments, helium remains a key component of modern healthcare delivery.

Healthcare providers must stay informed about proper helium handling and usage to maximize its benefits while minimizing waste. Understanding different applications helps facilities better manage their helium resources and maintain optimal patient care.

Further Reading: Is Helium Flammable?