Abstract
The chapter provides an overview of progress in the development of perfluorochemicals (PFCs) emulsions as intravascular respiratory gas carriers, focusing in particular on improved formulations and materials that are the subject of intensive research effort. PFCs are highly fluorinated, inert organic compounds that can dissolve large volumes of respiratory gases. Liquid PFCs are colorless, odorless, and non-corrosive, with specific gravities about twice that of water. PFCs are immiscible with aqueous systems, including biological fluids but can be safely injected into the blood vasculature in an emulsified form. Emulsions containing one or more PFCs are evaluated clinically, for example, intravascular respiratory gas-carrying fluids (i.e. so-called “blood substitutes”) and diagnostic contrast imaging agents. Neat, unemulsified PFC liquids are also used as respiratory tract infiltrates for the treatment of acute respiratory failure by liquid ventilation. PFCs are not metabolized in vivo and are excreted principally as a vapor by exhalation.
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