Impact of mechanical power and positive end expiratory pressure on central vs. mixed oxygen and carbon dioxide related variables in a population of female piglets.

The venous oxygen saturation (central or mixed) may be influenced by the effects of mechanical ventilation. Therefore, central venous data should be interpreted with more caution when using higher mechanical power. On the contrary, carbon dioxide-derived parameters are more stable and similar between the two sampling sites, independently of mechanical power or positive end expiratory pressures.