Use of continuous monitoring of mixed venous saturation in the coronary care unit.

Recent advances in catheter technology that enable continuous measurement of mixed venous oxygen saturation (SvO2) have improved diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities in the critical care setting. The utilization of the Opticath has provided valuable information in the diagnosis and treatment of many critically ill patients in our coronary care unit. In many instances, a change in SvO2 supplied the first indication of a hemodynamic change in the patient. Specific clinical situations in which the Opticath was used are reviewed.