Artificial organs
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This article briefly discusses a few key issues related to transfusion, the concept of hemoglobin-based red blood cell substitutes (HBOCs), and some parameters useful in evaluating the current properties of solutions. Potential uses of HBOCs in civilian applications are identified and listed. Use of HBOCs as a hemodiluent for intraoperative autologous blood donation (IAD) is a particular application that has relevance in many surgical settings and this is discussed in some detail. ⋯ Extrapolation to a general use model, primarily based in the potential for surgery, will be noted. Some general parametric values of HBOCs are presented. These values are by no means considered optimal for all HBOCs and are subject to exploration, fine tuning, correction, or even rejection.
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Review
Artificial oxygen carriers as red blood cell substitutes: a selected review and current status.
Two distinct approaches are being explored in red blood cell substitute (RCS) development: hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers (HBOCs) and perfluorocarbon-based oxygen carriers (PFBOCs). HBOCs are based on intra- and/or intermolecularly "engineered" human or animal hemoglobins (Hbs), optimized for O2 delivery and longer intravascular circulation. Some are currently being evaluated in Phase II/III clinical studies. ⋯ Although current PFBOC products generally require patients to breathe O2 enriched air, they render certain advantages since they are totally synthetic. This article provides a short review of the basic principles, approaches, and current status of RCS development. Results of preclinical and clinical studies including recent Phase II/III clinical studies are discussed.