Rheological properties of red blood cell suspensions in fluorocarbon emulsion F-66E (blood substitute) and in each of its components

Fluorocarbon emulsion were selected as intravascular carriers of respiratory gase because of their high capacity for dissolving them. For F-66E emulsion to be used medically, it is important to know the hemorheological consequences of a mixture of such an emulsion with blood. The present study is designed to investigate the rheological properties of red blood cell suspensions in F-66E emulsion and in each of its components, at fixed hematocrit (45 %) or variable hematocrit. Three different techniques are used: viscometry in static and dynamic flow conditions, aggregometry and flltrometry. The results indicate no perturbation of standard rheological properties of blood in the presence of F-66E emulsion.