Effect of fluorocarbon liquid on surface tension properties of pulmonary surfactant.

Ventilation with oxygenated fluorocarbon fluids shows potential promise as an effective method for bilateral lung lavage. To permit readaptation to breathing gas, unaltered surface tension characteristics at the air-liquid interphase of the alveolus is necessary after the organic fluid evaporates. Ventilation with fluorocarbon fluid neither washed out nor produced an alteration in the surface tension properties of pulmonary surfactant. This is due to the fact that pulmonary surfactant is insoluble in the nonpolar inert fluorocarbon fluid. While the lung was filled with fluorocarbon, pulmonary surfactant was difficult to extract. However, once the fluorocarbon fluid evaporated, the surfactant was left intact and its surface tension-surface area properties were normal.