title: A novel expiratory circuit for recovery of perfluorocarbon liquid during partial liquid ventilation.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine whether perfluorocarbon liquid can be condensed from gases containing perfluorocarbon vapour and whether the amount recovered varies with background flow rate.
  
  
  METHODS
  Bench-top experimental study in a neonatal laboratory.
  
  
  METHODS
  The expiratory limb of a standard ventilator circuit set-up was mimicked, with the addition of a chilled water jacket (Liebig) condenser. Perfluorocarbon vapour was passed through the circuit at a number of flow rates.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Perfluorocarbon vapour was passed through the circuit and the percentage recovery of liquid measured. More than 60% of the perfluorocarbon vapour was recovered at all flow rates (1, 2, 5 and 10 l/min), with significantly higher recovery obtained (up to 74%) at low flow rates (1 l/min).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Using a simple condenser, more than 60% of perfluorocarbon liquid can be recovered without altering the function of an expiratory limb of a ventilator circuit.
authors.affiliation: Grantley Stable Neonatal Unit, Department of Neonatology, Royal Women's Hospital, 4029 Herston, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
authors.forename: Kimble Robert
authors.initials: KR
authors.lastname: Dunster
authors.forename: Mark William
authors.initials: MW
authors.lastname: Davies
mesh_terms: D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources / Q000379:methods*; D003363:Cost Control; D005466:Fluorocarbons / Q000737:chemistry*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007363:Intensive Care Units, Neonatal; D021061:Liquid Ventilation / Q000191:economics / Q000295:instrumentation*
chemical_list: D005466:Fluorocarbons