Surfactant and perfluorocarbon aerosolization during different mechanical ventilation strategies by means of inhalation catheters: an in vitro study.

Background: Aerosol delivery of surfactant and perfluorocarbon (PFC) is a desirable therapeutic approach for the treatment of various lung diseases in patients undergoing mechanical ventilation. However, the behavior of these substances during aerosolization differs significantly from that of aqueous solutions. In particular, the high vapor pressure of many PFCs tends to result in greater evaporation during mechanical ventilation.