[Fluorocarbons: applications to cardiovascular surgery (author's transl)]

Abstract

Fluorocarbons are synthetic compounds capable of dissolving large amounts of gases (O2, CO2, N2, CO). The current availability of stable O2- carrying emulsions delivering substantial volumes of this gas to perfused tissues makes it possible to extend the potential clinical use of perfluorochemicals. In cardiology, fluorocarbons have proven experimentally efficient during cardiopulmonary bypass as blood substitutes, in cardioplegic and reperfusion solutions and as agents designed to reduce the size of acute myocardial infarcts. However, a more thorough understanding of their long-term effects on cells is needed before their routine clinical use can be considered.