In the modified Fick equation, what does "s1" represent?

In the modified Fick equation, "s1" represents the ECMO arterial saturation. The modified Fick equation is utilized in the context of assessing oxygen delivery and consumption, particularly in patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).

In this equation, the saturation levels are significant as they indicate the oxygen content in the blood before and after passing through the ECMO circuit. Specifically, the ECMO arterial saturation reflects the oxygenation status of the blood that has been oxygenated by the ECMO system before it is returned to the patient. This is critical for monitoring the effectiveness of the ECMO support and adjusting settings to improve patient outcomes.

Understanding the role of ECMO arterial saturation in this equation allows healthcare professionals to analyze the adequacy of oxygen delivery, making it pivotal in managing patients undergoing ECMO therapy.