Use of Heliox during Spontaneous Ventilation: Model Study

Authors: Martin Rozanek, Karel Roubik

Abstract:

The study deals with the modelling of the gas flow during heliox therapy. A special model has been developed to study the effect of the helium upon the gas flow in the airways during the spontaneous breathing. Lower density of helium compared with air decreases the Reynolds number and it allows improving the flow during the spontaneous breathing. In the cases, where the flow becomes turbulent while the patient inspires air the flow is still laminar when the patient inspires heliox. The use of heliox decreases the work of breathing and improves ventilation. It allows in some cases to prevent the intubation of the patients.

Keywords: Gas flow, heliox, Reynolds number, turbulent flow.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI): doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.1061314

References:

[1] R. Hess, J. B. Fink, S. T. Venkataraman, et. al., "The History and Physics of Heliox", Respir. Care, 51(6) (2006), pp. 608-612.
[2] M. Rozanek, K. Roubik, "Mathematical Model of the Respiratory System - Comparison of the Total Lung Impedance in the Adult and Neonatal Lung", Proceedings of World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology. Waset.org, 2007, pp. 293-296. ISSN 1307-6884.
[3] T. R. Myers, "Use of heliox in children", Respir. Care, 51(6) (2006), pp. 619-631.
[4] E. R. Weibel, "Morphometry of the human lung", Berlin: Springer- Verlag, 1963.