Experience in the use of thermal heliox therapy for correcting central hemodynamic disturbances in the rehabilitation of patients with atrial fibrillation

Thermal heliox therapy is an inhalation-based physiotherapy method with neuroprotective and cardioprotective effects. This study substantiates the use of thermal heliox therapy for correcting central hemodynamic disturbances caused by atrial fibrillation. A clinical case of comprehensive rehabilitation in a patient with acute cardioembolic stroke is presented. In a rehabilitation setting, the Simona 111 (integral monitoring system) was used to assess a patient with persistent atrial fibrillation, revealing central hemodynamic disturbances. A course of thermal heliox therapy was administered using the BreezeLite inhalation device to correct central hemodynamic disturbances. Inhalations of a helium-oxygen mixture heated to 70 °C (70% helium, 30% oxygen) were administered once daily for 14 days, with each session lasting 15 minutes. Following the course of thermal heliox therapy, improvements were observed in left ventricular performance, systolic and diastolic myocardial function, preload and afterload regulation, oxygen delivery, and pulse deficit reduction. After the rehabilitation course, improvements were noted in physiological functions across various body systems, including cognitive functions, as assessed using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health. We found that correcting central hemodynamic disturbances is a necessary condition for effective rehabilitation in patients recovering from cardioembolic stroke caused by persistent atrial fibrillation. Thermal heliox therapy may be a promising method for correcting central hemodynamic disturbances, requiring further research.