Cardiovascular applications of fluorocarbons: current status and future direction--a critical clinical appraisal

Alteration of normal blood flow to the heart may result in myocardial ischemia or infarction. Perfluorochemical emulsions offer a potential means to improve oxygenation of the heart during periods of hypoxia. The small particle size and linear disassociation curve of perfluorochemicals may result in greater oxygen delivery than blood particularly in severely diseased or damaged atherosclerotic vessels. Intracoronary Fluosol given during PTCA reduces the myocardial ischemia which occurs during balloon inflation. Although Fluosol does not prevent myocardial dysfunction during prolonged balloon inflations, new concentrated perfluorochemicals have increased oxygen delivery capacity and may have greater benefit. Experimentally, during coronary occlusions, perfluorochemicals promote higher oxygen tension in areas of ischemia and result in infarct size reduction. Reduction of oxygen free radicals has been proposed as the mechanism by which Fluosol exerts its ability to reduce infarct size. Clinical studies with Fluosol and thrombolytic therapy for treatment of acute myocardial infarctions are ongoing to assess ability to preserve myocardial function. Perfluorochemical cardioplegia can deliver oxygen during periods of cardiac arrest and may improve immediate post CPB myocardial function particularly in those patients with pre-existing left ventricular dysfunction. The oxygen-carrying capacity of perfluorocarbons and its unique properties offer great advantages to improve the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.