Which gas is commonly used in cryotherapy procedures?

The use of nitrous oxide or carbon dioxide in cryotherapy procedures stems from their properties as effective cryogenic agents. Cryotherapy often involves applying extremely cold temperatures to treat various conditions, and both nitrous oxide and carbon dioxide can achieve the necessary low temperatures for effective treatment.

Nitrous oxide, for example, is favored in some cryotherapy applications for its ability to rapidly create localized freezing temperatures, making it useful for tasks like removing warts or other skin lesions. Additionally, carbon dioxide can be used in cryoablation procedures due to its readily available solid form (dry ice), which allows for quick applications of cold therapy.

In contrast, oxygen, helium, and chlorine do not serve the same purpose in cryotherapy. Oxygen is vital for respiration but does not possess properties suitable for cryogenic applications. Helium, while it can be used in a cryogenic context due to its low boiling point, is not typically used in medical cryotherapy. Chlorine is primarily utilized in water purification and poses safety risks in medical applications, making it unsuitable in this context. Therefore, nitrous oxide and carbon dioxide are the appropriate gases for cryotherapy due to their efficacy and safety in producing the necessary cold temperatures for various medical treatments.