Abstract: The present application relates to methods to administer to a patient a hypothermal inhalation gas composition that includes oxygen and a mixture of inert gases. The mixture of inert gases includes a first compound selected from xenon and argon, and a second compound having hypothermal properties, such as helium. In the methods, a gas composition including oxygen and a mixture of inert gases is selected and the gas composition is administered to the patient at an inhalation temperature of a specified range such that the body temperature of the patient is maintained within a specified temperature range.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inhalation gas composition comprising oxygen and a mixture of inert gases, characterized in that the mixture of inert gases comprises a first compound selected from xenon and argon having hyperthermal properties, and a second compound having hypothermal properties, the mixture of inert gases comprising such a proportion of the first and second compounds that the mixture of inert gases is thermally neutral.