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Microvascular gas embolization clearance following perfluorocarbon administration
David M Eckmann1, Vladimir N Lomivorotov
1Department of Anesthesia and Institute for Medicine and Engineering, The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-4283, USA. eckmanndm@uphs.upenn.edu
Journal of Applied Physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985)
|February 7, 2003
Summary
Emulsified fluorocarbon compounds, like Perftoran, can enhance vascular gas embolism clearance. Pre-treatment with fluorocarbon emulsions before gas embolization speeds bubble removal and restores blood flow more rapidly.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cardiovascular Research
- Microcirculation Studies
Background:
- Vascular gas embolism poses a significant clinical challenge.
- Effective treatments for gas embolism are limited.
- Emulsified fluorocarbons are being investigated for therapeutic potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test if pre-treatment with an emulsified fluorocarbon enhances the clearance of vascular gas emboli.
- To investigate the effect of fluorocarbon emulsions on bubble dynamics in microcirculation.
Main Methods:
- Air microbubbles were injected into the rat cremaster microcirculation.
- Rats received Perftoran (emulsified fluorocarbon) or saline pre-treatment (immediately before, 2h before) or post-treatment.
- Intravital microscopy was used to observe embolism dimensions and dynamics.
Main Results:
- Perftoran pre-treatment resulted in smaller volume bubbles lodging in smaller vessels.
- A higher incidence of bubble dislodgement and greater distal displacement was observed in pre-treatment groups.
- Fluorocarbon emulsion administration before embolization decreased bubble clearance time by 36% and restored blood flow.
Conclusions:
- Intravascular administration of emulsified fluorocarbons before gas embolization improves bubble clearance.
- Fluorocarbon emulsions alter bubble conformation, increase dislodgement, and promote peripheral displacement.
- Therapeutic benefits were only observed when fluorocarbon administration preceded gas embolization.