Abstract

Perfluorocarbons accumulate in the dependent regions of the lungs, which may result in regional hypoxia if ventilation with oxygen is insufficient to oxygenate the dependent perfluorocarbon-filled alveoli. In this issue of Critical Care, Max et al present data that demonstrate a decrease in arterial oxygen tension (PaO₂) at 30 min compared to that observed at 5min after administration of FC 3280. These data suggest failure of on-going attributed to the oxygen ventilation/oxygenation to support the initial increase in PaO₂dissolved in the administered perfluorocarbon. Studies such as this one demonstrate that development of the optimal partial liquid ventilation (PLV) technique is ongoing.