Abstract
Total Liquid Ventilation (TLV) is an innovative experimental method of mechanical-assisted ventilation in which lungs are totally filled and then ventilated with a tidal volume of Perfluorocarbon (PFC) by using a dedicated liquid ventilator. So far, we developed the TLV system which consists of membrane oxygenator and a cylinder pump. In this system, PFC gas exchange is performed when passing through the oxygenator. Therefore, this system is largely dependent on the oxygenator performance, and carbon dioxide removal is difficult. In this study, we developed the recirculation TLV system and examined gas exchange ability. This system consists of the conventional TLV system and the recirculation circuit. As a result, the recirculation TLV system as compared to the conventional systems, improved about 25% carbon dioxide removal capability, and partial pressure of carbon dioxide was less than 5 mmHg. This system has a high gas exchange performance.
