IMPROVEMENT IN CIRCULATORY AND OXYGENATION STATUS BY PERFLUBRON EMULSION (OXYGENT(TM) HT) IN A CANINE MODEL OF SURGICAL HEMODILUTION

To examine the effect of a low dose of Oxygent(TM) HT on hemodynamics and oxygen transport variables in a canine model of profound surgical hemodilution, two groups of adult anesthetized splenectomized beagles were hemodiluted with Ringer's solution to Hb 7 g/dL. The treated grou p received 1 mL/kg Oxygent(TM) HT (90% w/v perflubron emulsion [perflu orooctyl bromide], Alliance Pharmaceutical Corp.) and both groups (7 c ontrols and 10 treated) were further hemodiluted using 6% hydroxyethyl starch until cardiorespiratory decompensation occurred. Pulmonary art ery catheterization data and oxygen transport variables were recorded at Hb decrements of 1 g/dL breathing room air. There was no difference among groups during initial hemodilution. However, in the Oxygent(TM) HT group there was a statistically significant improvement in mean ar terial pressure, CVP, cardiac output, PvO(2), SvO(2), DO2 and pulmonar y venous admixture Shunt during profound hemodilution to Hb levels of 6, 5, and 4 g/dL. A low dose of Oxygent(TM) HT offered benefit in impr oving hemodynamics and oxygen transport parameters even under air brea thing conditions in a model of surgical hemodilution. This effect was most apparent at lower levels of Hb.