Alpha Therapeutic Corporation

Charles H Davis, Jr

Charles M Heldebrant

Kim C Crowe

George R Groveman

Charles M Heldebrandt

A method for rapidly preparing a frozen fluorocarbon emulsion for administration without degradation and having an extended shelf life is disclosed.

Process for rapid thawing and storage of frozen fluorocarbon emulsion,

Perfluorocarbon emulsion formulations are oxygenated prior to use by means of a portable oxygenation system. The blood substitute is in a closed container or bag. An oxygen-containing gas is introduced into the bag from a separate container. The bag is continuously agitated for a sufficient time to increase the pO.sub.2 of the perfluorocarbon emulsion formulations to a desired pressure, e.g., to at least 600 mmHg. In one embodiment, the system used for oxygenation of the perfluorocarbon emulsion formulations comprises a small tank for gas having an inlet port and an outlet port fitted with shut-off valves. The outlet port is adapted to be connected to a filter which, in turn, is adapted to be connected to the inlet port of a three-way valve. The primary outlet of the three-way valve is adapted to mount a hypodermic needle which is adapted to be pushed through a rubber septum in a port of the bag to communicate with the interior of the bag. The tank is adapted to be filled with oxygen-containing gas, such as carbogen, from a main gas source under pressure. The tank, filter, three-way valve and needle arrangement are connected in series, and the oxygen-containing gas is permitted to flow from the tank into the bag holding the emulsion formulation. After the gas is introduced into the bag, the three-way valve is closed to prevent leakage of the gas from the container. The container is then agitated to oxygenate the emulsion formulation.

Growing community of inventors

Mission Viejo, CA, United States of America

Charles H Davis, Jr