Cerebral effects of perfluorocarbons

For the usage as blood substitutes perfluorocarbons (PFC) have been develop ed as artificial oxygen carriers. In addition they may have potency for pro tective use in ischemic tissue. Formulation improvement achieved higher oxy gen carrying capacity and better compatibility than the first generation of PFC. Preclinical studies have been performed in animal heart and brain. Fo rmer and progressed emulsification for intravascular use have been investig ated for infarction and reperfusion injury. This investigations are reviewe d and the potencies for the use of PFC in neurology, neurosurgery, diagnost ics today and in the future are emphasized.