Abstract
Perfluorocarbon emulsions (PFC) have been advocated as a potential treatment of arterial gas embolism (AGE). We hypothesized that PFC can enhance blood flow and oxygenation in massive AGE, due to the surfactant properties of fluorocarbons. We studied systemic and microvascular parameters in cremaster muscle of anesthetized rats via intravital microscopy. Microhemodynamics as well as microvascular and tissue oxygenation were determined before and after treatment with two commercial PFC (Oxycyte, Oxygen Biotherapeutics Inc.; and PHER‐O2, Sanguine Corporation) compared with saline. Blood pressure and heart rate were similar among the groups. Systemic PO2, O2 content and glucose were higher in PFC than in saline group while hematocrit significantly dropped after treatment but was not different among the groups. Arteriolar blood flow went up 58% and 45% with PFC vs. 12% with saline after treatment. In both PFC groups, arteriolar and tissue PO2 were significantly higher compared to control as well as the arteriolar O2 content and O2 delivery. In conclusion, administration of PFC in severe AGE is superior than saline primarily attributable to the surfactant properties which increased considerably air bubble reabsorption. As an additional beneficial effect, arteriolar blood flow was restored, reducing diffusional resistance of O2 in the plasma to yield more O2 to tissues.Supported by Office of Naval Research.
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