The effect of temperature on metabolic rate.
The effect of a change in temperature on the metabolic rate of the patient is shown in this graph. At 37(C) the patient's oxygen consumption is about 200 mls/min. The change in oxygen consumption with temperature is shown. At 30(C) oxygen consumption has approximately halved. These data correspond very closely with the data reported by Kirklin and Barratt-Boyes.
If you wish to explore the behaviour of an ECMO system when confronted by a patient with increased oxygen consumption, ask the supervisor to increase the patient's nominal metabolic rate.
Reference:
Kirklin JW and Barratt-Boyes BG. 'Cardiac Surgery'. New York: Churchill Livingstone, 1993:61-127.