Hypothesis: Partial liquid ventilation uses flurocarbons (PFC) which have a great capacity for O2 and CO2 but also present a major diffusion barrier. Therefore, effective gas exchange requires a maximum surface area at the gas/liquid interface.
Methodology: We have studied the distribution of PFC and gas by CT scan densitometry at varying transpulmonary pressures (PTP) in the normal pig lung. Results: After filling the lung with PFC at 0 cmH20 PTP, there is uniform opacification of the lung. At PTP is increased a density gradient develops with aeration of the non-dependent regions. Above 20 cmH2O PTP the gradient is lost and there is a uniform radiological density.
Conclusion: To achieve the maximum gas/liquid interface for optimum gas exchange requires airway pressures ≈ 20 cmH20.
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Bryan, A., Morris, K., Babyn, P. et al. Distribution of Gas and Flurocarbon Measured by CT Densitometry. 42. Pediatr Res 40, 522 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-199609000-00065
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-199609000-00065
