Although the perfluorochemical Fluosol-DA 20% has been shown to reduce myocardial infarct size, its effect on the evolution of infarct healing has not been determined. Rabbits (n = 91) were randomized to ether-oxygenated Fluosol-DA (20 ml/kg) administered intravenously at the time of reperfusion after 30 min of coronary occlusion or no intervention. Animals were sacrificed at 1, 3, 7, and 14 days after infarction. Infarct size was significantly reduced in Fluosol-DA treated animals when compared with controls at one and three days. Infarct thinning was observed at one and three days in both groups. Left ventricular wall thickness in the infarcted area was greater with Fluosol-DA than control at 7 and 14 days. Increasing amounts of foamy macrophages containing perfluorochemical particles were noted in treated animals at 7 and 14 days. No differences were noted in hydroxyproline content between groups. These studies suggest that Fluosol-DA results in persistence of foamy macrophages without significantly altering infarct topography in the temporary occlusion rabbit model.