Episode 41: Monitoring Mixed Venous Saturations

AI generated podcast from T. Piehl's lecture notes.

This text describes continuous monitoring of mixed venous oxygen saturation (SvO2) to assess oxygen delivery (DO2) and consumption (VO2). DO2, determined by oxygen content and blood flow, indicates oxygen supply, while VO2 reflects oxygen utilization. SvO2 values, typically around 75%, reveal the body's oxygen reserve. Factors influencing both DO2 and VO2, such as cardiac output and metabolic demands, are detailed. Finally, the text explains the concept of a shunt, where blood bypasses functioning alveoli, leading to hypoxemia