Why does a
patient need an arterial line?
Critically ill or injured patients frequently have profound
abnormalities in their blood pressure. The arterial line provides a
way to constantly measure a patient's blood pressure and may be
essential to the stabilization of the patient. Arterial lines may be
useful in patients with very high or low blood pressures. The
arterial line also provides access for frequent blood sampling.
Blood can be withdrawn from the patient through the arterial line
tubing without having to use a needle for each blood draw.
How is an arterial line inserted?
Arterial lines may be inserted in the wrist (radial artery), armpit
(axillary artery), groin (femoral artery), or foot (pedal artery).
The arterial line is inserted into the artery by the same technique
used to insert a regular peripheral IV. The arterial line is usually
sutured (sewed) to the overlying skin to assure that it remains in
the artery. An arterial line insertion causes the similar discomfort
to that associated with the insertion of a regular peripheral IV.
The arterial line tubing is connected to the bedside monitor, where
the patient's blood pressure is constantly displayed.
How long is an arterial line used?
Typically, an arterial line is required for a short period of time.
If the information from the arterial line is required for more than
five to seven days, a new arterial line may be required.
Are there any potential complications
associated with use of an arterial line?
The major complications associated with the arterial line are
bleeding, infection, and rarely, a lack of blood flow to the tissue
supplied by the artery.
|
|
|
|
Arterial line (catheter) inserted into an artery in
the wrist (radial artery)
|
|
|
Arterial Line 
