A novel perfluorocarbon emulsion (OxygentTM - Alliance Pharmaceutical Corp., San Diego, CA 92121, USA) was tested during hypothermic (32ºC) cardio pulmonary bypass (CPB) under severe hemodilution (Hto = 12%). Forty-two mongrel dogs were allocated to 4 groups. Group 1 (n=12) was not given Oxygent and served as control whereas Groups 2, 3, and 4 (10 animals each) were given a bolus dose of the emulsion (1.5,3.0, and 6.0 ml/kg, respectively) at the onset of CPB. O2 metabolism variables were then studied at 6 randomized pump flow rates (Q) ranging from 0.25 to 3.0 l/min/m². After rewarming CPB was discontinued and the animals were followed-up for one hour and then killed by IV KGI injection. Differences between groups were evaluated by the least squares means and Duncan's tests and considered significant for p<0.05. Fluorocrit values remained stable on CPB Group 2 -1 %, Group 3 - 2%, and Group 4 - 3%). Although somewhat elevated, Group 4 arterial blood O2 partial pressure and content (CaO2) didn't reach statistical significance versus control. Group 4 mixed venous blood O2 partial pressure (PvO2) regressed against Q was significantly higher (p < 0.03) than control, but there was no statistical difference when this variable was regressed against O2 delivery rate. Groups were similar regarding total as well as dissolved O2 consumption and systemic and transmyocardial lactate gradients. A trend towards lower mortality rates was noticed in Groups 3 (20%) and 4 (10%) versus control (41.6%). Group 4 trend towards both reduced mortality and higher CaO2 as well as its significant PvO2 rise against Q suggest a beneficial, yet speculative, Oxygent dose dependent effect on O2 metabolism.
Perfluorocarbons; Oxygen metabolism; Extracorporeal circulation