The authors’ findings corroborate experimental evidence showing that HBOC-201 carries/delivers oxygen. Lack of vasoconstriction typical of this oxygen carrier may be due to the compensatory vasodilatation associated with profound tissue ischemia, established in approximately 13 seconds after cessation of blood flow. Pre-oxygenated HBOC-201 improved global oxygen delivery and allowed the preservation of myocardial function.

– Marcos Intaglietta