Apparatus and process for oxygenation of liquid state dissolved oxygen-carrying formulation

Perfluorocarbon emulsion formulations are oxygenated prior to use by means of a portable oxygenation system (10). The blood substitute is in a closed container or bag (12). An oxygen-containing gas is introduced into the bag (12) from a separate container (18). The bag (12) is continuously agitated for a sufficient time to increase the pO2 of the perfluorocarbon emulsion formulations to a desired pressure, e.g., to at least 600 mmHg. In one embodiment, the system (10) used for oxygenation of the perfluorocarbon emulsion formulations comprises a small tank (50) for gas having an inlet port (52) and an outlet port (56) fitted with shut-off valves (54, 62). The outlet port (56) is adapted to be connected to a filter (16) which, in turn, is adapted to be connected to the inlet port (34) of a three-way valve (14). The primary outlet (38) of the three-way valve (14) is adapted to mount a hypodermic needle which is adapted to be pushed through a rubber septum in a port (30) of the bag (12) to communicate with the interior of the bag (12). The tank (50) is adapted to be filled with oxygen-containing gas, such as carbogen, from a main gas source (20) under pressure. The tank (50), filter (16), three-way valve (14) and needle arrangement are connected in series, and the oxygen-containing gas is permitted to flow from the tank (50) into the bag (12) holding the emulsion formulation. After the gas is introduced into the bag (12), the three-way valve (14) is closed to prevent leakage of the gas from the container (12). The container (12) is then agitated to oxygenate the emulsion formulation.