Abstract
Helium was first isolated from the mineral cleavite in 1895. Its use, in place of nitrogen, as the carrier gas for oxygen was first described in the mid 1930s. It was recommended as an adjunct to the treatment of respiratory failure, in particular, for obstructive lesions of the larynx, trachea, and airways. Over recent years there has been a small-scale resurgence in the experimental use of helium in a variety of patients with acute respiratory failure. This review presents the theoretical reasons for its use and critically reviews the published trials.