Hemodilution was attained by means of a progressive, stepwise, isovolemic, blood exchange-transfusion protocol in which the red blood cell (RBC) volume (dark bar) is continuously decreased and the plasma volume (clear bar) is increased while maintaining the total blood volume constant (represented by the dotted line). Volume of each exchange-transfusion step was calculated as a percentage of the blood volume, estimated as 7% of the body weight. Third and fourth hemodilution steps were achieved (35% of blood volume) using a mixture of perfluorocarbon oxygen carrier (PFCOC) and hydroxyethyl starch (HES) and the fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) was increased. PE, plasma expander (HES).