Extracorporeal circulation with perfluorochemicals (Fluosol-DA)

Experimental studies on extracorporeal circulation (ECC) with perfluorochemicals (Fluosol-DA) as a perfusate was performed to examine oxygen carrying capacity and its organ distribution using eight calves. Approximately 80% of the circulating blood volume was withdrawn before ECC and reinfused after completion of ECC. ECC time was 60 minutes in five of the calves and 120 minutes in three of the calves. Hct and Hb decreased to 4-12% and 1.7-6.6 g/dl during ECC. Fct (Fluorocrit: volume percentage of Fluosol-DA) ranged between 5 and 10%. PaO2 and PvO2 were 432-543 mmHg and 93-164 mmHg. Sixty-seven to 86% of the oxygen consumed by the tissues was delivered by Fluosol-DA. One of the complications of ECC with Fluosol-DA, hemolysis was observed in four of the calves which had a relatively high level of Fluosol-DA retention (13.9 g/kg) in the body after ECC. The retention volume of the other four calves which did not show hemolysis was 10.0 g/kg. Retention of Fluosol-DA after ECC was found to be greater in the reticuloendothelial system of the calves sacrificed earlier and became trace or minimal after 10 months.