The potential use of carbon dioxide as a carrier gas for drug delivery into open wounds

SummaryCarbon dioxide is a fundamental biological gas and due to its unique properties it is frequently used as a medical gas. In minimally invasive surgery carbon dioxide is insufflated into the “closed” surgical wound to facilitate laparoscopy. Furthermore, a method has recently been developed to create a local atmosphere of 100% carbon dioxide in an open wound to prevent air embolism and ensuing neurological impairment in open heart surgery. In the present paper the authors propose that carbon dioxide also may be used as a carrier gas for delivery of potent medical agents into a wound. With theoretical and experimental arguments the authors explain why carbon dioxide should be suitable for this purpose, and describe the potential advantages and implications of the suggested method.