Heliox versus trimix in closed-circuit rebreather diving: A comparative study of pulmonary and decompression stress in male divers.
Closed-circuit rebreather (CCR) and helium-based breathing mixtures are widely used in technical diving. This study compared the effects of Heliox and Trimix on pulmonary function and decompression stress during CCR dives. Nineteen divers performed a standardized dive (50 ± 3 msw, 147 ± 10 min) using Heliox (16% O2/84% He; n = 9) or Trimix (16% O2/32% He/52% N2; n = 10). Pre- and post-dive venous gas emboli (VGE), pulmonary function, lung ultrasound, heart rate variability, and inflammatory parameters were assessed. VGE were detected in all Heliox divers but in only 50% of Trimix divers. Heliox exhibited higher VGE counts 45 min post-dive than Trimix (12 [IQR 3-32] vs. 0 [IQR 0-6], p = 0.03); this difference disappeared by 90 min. No clinically significant pulmonary function changes were observed. Lung diffusion capacity decreased moderately regardless of breathing gas (-6% ± 7%). Lung ultrasound revealed minor transient B-line changes. Dive induced mild inflammatory responses, including neutrophilia and increased MRP8/14 in both groups. Heliox divers also showed transient complement activation alongside increased circulating platelets. CCR dives induced limited pulmonary stress, without gas-dependent differences. Although Heliox may promote a higher post-dive VGE burden and inflammatory responses, the relationship between these physiological effects and decompression sickness risk remains uncertain.
Authors
Gouin Gouin, Orsat Orsat, Dugrenot Dugrenot, Brenner Brenner, Leman Leman, Bettacchioli Bettacchioli, Theron Theron, Giroux-Metges Giroux-Metges, L'Her L'Her, Guerrero Guerrero
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