Mixed and central venous oxygen saturation in patients with septic shock: is there a difference?

The mixed venous oxygen saturation (mSVO2) is an important marker of global perfusion in patients with septic shock. There is some evidence that central venous oxygen saturation (cSVO2) can replace mSVO2. However, little is known about where it should be located: the superior vena cava (ccSVO2) or the right atrium (acSVO2). This study aimed at evaluating the differences between mSVO2 and cSVO2 (either from the cava or from the atrium) and the impact of them in patient management.