Effect of viscosity on instilled perfluorocarbon distribution in rabbit lungs

The effect of viscosity on the distribution of perfluorocarbon instilled into the lungs for liquid ventilation was investigated. Perfluorocarbon (either perfluorodecalin or FC-3283) was instilled into the trachea during ventilation at a constant infusion rate of 40 ml/min and radiographic images were obtained at 30 frames/s. Image analysis was performed and the homogeneity index of the distribution was computed for images at the end of inspiration of each breath to evaluate the evolution of perfluorocarbon distribution during filling. The higher viscosity perfluorocarbon (perfluorodecalin) resulted in a more homogeneous distribution. This was attributed to perfluorodecalin's higher propensity to form liquid plugs in large airways and to those plugs leaving behind a thicker liquid layer as they propagated through the lungs.