TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS OF SEMI-CLOSED CIRCUITS FOR HELIOX ADMINISTRATION IN SPONTANEOUSLY BREATHING PATIENTS WITH SEVERE AIRWAY OBSTRUCTION

Authors

  • Barbora Němcová
  • Karel Roubík

Keywords:

heliox, helium, respiratory care, semi-close circuit, COPD, airway resistance, work of breathing

Abstract

A semi-closed circuit represents a cost effective alternative of heliox application in patients with severe airway obstruction. A semi-closed circuit has its intrinsic resistance that compromises the positive effect of heliox in the obstructed airways. The resistance may be reduced and depends on the design of the circuit. The article proposes two alternative configurations of semi-closed circuits for heliox application differing in their resistive properties and complexity of their construction.

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Published

2014-06-30

Issue

Section

Original Research