Fluorocarbons

This article presents information on medical applications of fluorocarbons. These inert chemicals have a high solubility for the respiratory gases and, in emulsified form, are present in the oxygen-transporting plasma substitutes now undergoing clinical trials. Oxygen content is directly related to arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2). Thus, although oxygen transport of Fluosol-DA 20% (FDA) is only 0.75 ml per 100 ml per 10 kPa, oxygen delivery at the tissues will be adequate in the presence of a high PaO2. FDA has a low viscosity at low shear rates and this, together with a very small emulsion particle size of 0.1 micron, helps provide improved tissue oxygenation in conditions of ischaemic hypoxia. Fluorocarbon plasma substitutes may be employed as 'blood', but may also be used for a wide range of purposes in clinical practice. This review describes some current and potential future applications.