Effect of carotid artery ligation and infusion of fluosol FC-43 emulsion on brain surface oxygen tensions.

In eight rabbits, the common carotid artery was ligated and multiple estimations of brain surface oxygen tension performed using a seven barrelled mini-electrode. In five rabbits ligation of the carotid artery resulted in impairment of cortical oxygenation. The remaining three rabbits showed no impairment in the supply of oxygen to the cerebral cortex after carotid occlusion. In the five rabbits who displayed a reduction in oxygen supply after carotid ligation, ventilation with 33% oxygen after the infusion of 15 ml/kg of Fluosol FC-43 produced an improvement in cortical oxygenation in only three of the five rabbits. When these animals were ventilated with 100% oxygen after carotid ligation and Fluosol infusion, oxygen supply in all five was commensurate with or greater than that during control conditions.