Total and Partial Liquid Ventilation Using Perfluorocarbons

Introduction The possibilities of using liquid instead of air in the exchange of gases have always fascinated researchers. The first studied liquid was saline solution which appeared to be unsuitable for transporting gases in normobaria. Its capacity to dissolve oxygen is low, and its viscosity and density are high as compared with air. Moreover, the introduction of saline into the lung can remove alveolar surfactant, worsening lung mechanics. Subsequently different liquids have been studied, such as silicon and animal and mineral oils, but all of these substances have proved to be too toxic for clinical use.