Helium-3 for healthcare

Helium-3 has several important applications in healthcare, particularly in medical imaging and diagnostics. One of its primary uses is in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology. When polarized, helium-3 can be inhaled by patients to produce high-resolution images of the lungs, providing detailed visualizations of lung structure and function that are difficult to achieve with conventional MRI techniques. This method, known as hyperpolarized gas MRI, is especially valuable for diagnosing and monitoring respiratory conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and cystic fibrosis. Additionally, helium-3 is used in neutron detectors for radiation therapy, helping to ensure precise dose delivery in cancer treatments. In nuclear medicine, helium-3 plays a role in the production of medical isotopes used for both diagnostic imaging and targeted radiotherapy. Research is also ongoing into the potential use of helium-3 in next-generation positron emission tomography (PET) scanners, which could offer improved resolution and reduced radiation exposure compared to current technologies. Furthermore, the ultra-low temperatures achievable with helium-3 refrigeration systems are crucial for certain specialized medical equipment, including some types of superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs) used in magnetoencephalography for brain imaging.