Which variable in the modified Fick equation denotes patient venous saturation?

In the modified Fick equation, which is used to calculate cardiac output, the variable representing patient venous saturation is denoted as s2. The modified Fick equation considers the oxygen content in the arterial and venous blood, and venous saturation specifically refers to the amount of oxygen carried in the blood returning to the heart, thus crucial for determining total oxygen delivery.

The value of s2 reflects the oxygen saturation of venous blood and is integral in assessing how well the body is utilizing oxygen and how effective the ECMO is at maintaining appropriate oxygen levels during treatment. Understanding this variable helps clinicians monitor and adjust ECMO parameters to ensure optimal patient outcomes. Venous saturation is an essential component in evaluating the adequacy of oxygen delivery to tissues, especially in critically ill patients requiring ECMO support.