Study supports safety of perfluorocarbon ventilation:
This article was originally published in Clinica
Executive Summary
Partial liquid ventilation (PLV) is safe for acute respiratory failure patients. Overall survival was 50% in a non-controlled, Phase I experimental study of perfluorocarbon ventilation at the University of Michigan surgical intensive care unit. Only 10-20% of such patients normally survive rising to 50-60% if they can be supported by extracorporeal life support (ECLS). Writing in JAMA (February 7th), Dr Ronald Hirschl says ECLS patients were chosen in case PLV compromised native lung gas exchange. A Phase I/II study will investigate less seriously injured patients who are not receiving ECLS.