Why might the clinical benefit of adding Heliox be less pronounced for patients already on mechanical ventilation for profound obstruction?

It is less pronounced compared to using it for patients requiring less invasive support

While Heliox is an effective tool for managing severe airflow obstruction, its comparative utility varies based on the level of respiratory support already in place. Literature suggests that for patients experiencing profound obstruction who are already placed on mechanical ventilation, the incremental clinical advantage gained by introducing Heliox might be less significant. The highest comparative benefit is often observed when Heliox is used for patients who are still requiring less invasive forms of support, such as high-flow nasal cannula therapy, where overcoming intrinsic airway resistance without positive pressure support is paramount.