-HardGay- t1_isojxit wrote on October 17, 2022 at 3:05 PM

It's also used in intra-aortic balloon pumps because it's inert enough to not cause serious problems if a balloon were to rupture. Though in 100 years we will probably have much better technology and not require them for anyone anymore. LVAD technologies are pretty amazing.

Vlad_the_Homeowner t1_isot4vt wrote on October 17, 2022 at 4:14 PM

IABP use helium because theoretically the less-dense gas results in quicker inflation/deflation, but I don't know that it's ever been demonstrated to be more clinically effective. They can also use C02, which is just as readily absorbed.

Jaggedmallard26 t1_isphybm wrote on October 17, 2022 at 7:01 PM

Helium is also pretty nice to work with, non-reactive, stable, easy to flush out of a system (compared to heavier stable noble gasses) and non-toxic. Its also relatively abundant compared to what we need it for.

-HardGay- t1_ist3t68 wrote on October 18, 2022 at 2:41 PM

I reckon theoretically either are still dangerous enough to lead to embolism depending on the amount of gas entrapment. So perhaps I should revise the statement so it doesn't imply there isn't much risk when there have most likely been documented case reports.