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Heliablate™
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Heliablate™, (a.k.a. Turbo-Gas) is using Helium as the propellant gas to carry abrasive particles in air abrasion procedures. Equipped with Heliablate the CRYSTALAir™ DV-1 is the first and only cavity preparation device to have the dual modes of Air Abrasion and Helium Ablation. Helium used as the propellant will perform 40%, (that’s almost 2x!) faster than air at any given pressure setting and nozzle tip diameter without any increase in patient sensitivity. In addition there are indications that it will remove soft leathery decay while air will not. Helium is a colorless, odorless gas that is identified as one of the noble gases due to its extreme chemical inertness. Other than hydrogen, which is not inert, it is the lightest element known. Why does it work? We think it is because the helium molecule is 1/7th the size of an air molecule, and therefore provides a denser atmosphere to carry the abrasive particles more efficiently while accelerating them through the hose line faster. It is the only gas that warms slightly as it expands which may explain the lack of increased sensitivity. Helium is readily available from industrial gas suppliers or party balloon shops. A refill of a 291 cubic foot tank costs about $45-$75, and in an average busy practice this is about a 6-month supply. As a point of reference, this is enough helium to blow up about 1000 9” diameter balloons. The tank can be stored in the equipment room and plumbed with standard ¼ inch clear plastic tubing into each operatory where air abrasion is used. Standard quick disconnects are typically used to hook up the ¼” tubing to the DV-1. Another popular option is a smaller tank size, (55 cu ft.), that sets into the cart right in back of the DV-1. These tanks cost anywhere from $20 to $35 to refill. A regulator that will fit all helium tanks is included as part of the Heliablate package. Preset at 120 psi, the pressure can be regulated down to lower settings with the pressure knob on the DV-1. To maximize the helium supply compressed air is used for the operation of the pinch valve mechanisms. To further conserve helium, air is also available with the flip of a toggle switch for tasks where the use of the noble gas could be considered extravagant. For instance the DV-1 can be switched to compressed air for procedures such as preparation for sealants, low psi occlusal fissure diagnosis, or crown and bridge texturing. Switching to air can also be a quick method of slowing down the ablation rate, if deep into a Class I prep, for example. The DV-1 does not need helium to function, therefore compressed air is obviously a back up should the supply of helium run out. There are now over 200 dentists worldwide who are enjoying great success using their DV-1s with Helium.
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