Thursday December 07, 2006
Helium embolus

Intra Aortic Balloon Pump (IABP) Counterpulsation utilizes helium gas to inflate its balloon. As Helium is a low density as well as an inert gas, in case of balloon rupture it is easily absorbed into the bloodstream.

But fairly well numbered incidents of "Helium emboli" after balloon rupture have been described in literature. Major clinical sign of helium embolus is neurological deficit associated with other findings of balloon rupture as blood in the tubing. Treatment is hyperbaric oxygen.



Reference: click to get abstract / article

Arterial helium embolism from a ruptured intraaortic balloon - Ann Thorac Surg. 1988 Dec;46(6):690-2.