Assessment of a 35% fluorocarbon emulsion.

We have previously reported on the efficacy of a 20% fluorocarbon emulsion (Fluosol-DA, 20%) as an acellular O2 carrier at an FIO2 = 1.0. We are concerned, however, about the potential O2 toxicity that may result from extended exposure to FIO2 = 1.0. The O2 content of the fluorocarbon phase is linearly related to both the FIO2 and the fluorocarbon concentration (Fct). It should therefore be possible to maintain the same O2 content by raising the Fct using a higher fluorocarbon concentration and lowering the FIO2. The purpose of this report is to assess the ability of a 35% fluorocarbon emulsion (Fluosol-DA, 35%) at an FIO2 = 0.6 to support hemodynamics and O2 transport. Five adult baboons were paralyzed, anesthetized, intubated, and mechanically ventilated at FIO2 = 0.6. An isovolemic total exchange transfusion (E.T.) with Fluosol-DA, 35% was performed. Measurements were made at Hct's of 20, 10, 5, and less than 2%. All animals survived the exchange. Total arterial O2 content fell from 17.4 +/- 0.7 to 3.3 +/- 0.2 vol% (p less than 0.01), and O2 delivery decreased from 21.8 +/- 2.2 to 5.1 +/- 0.7 cc/min-kg (p less than 0.01) during the exchange. There was no significant change in MAP, H.R., C.O., or VO2 during the exchange transfusion. Fluosol-DA, 35% maintains normal hemodynamics and O2 transport despite a marked fall in arterial O2 content and total O2 delivery. Fluosol-DA, 35% is thus an effective O2 carrier at the safe FIO2 of 0.6.