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Placing an arterial catheter
Introduction
- Arterial catheters are placed to enable invasive blood pressure monitoring and repeated sampling of arterial blood.
Uses
- Invasive blood pressure measurement/monitoring ("the gold standard of blood pressure monitoring") Blood pressure: direct measurement.
- Pain-free arterial blood sampling if multiple samples are required Arterial blood gas sampling.
Technical problems
- Placing an arterial catheter is more technically demanding than placing a venous catheter Cephalic venipuncture Jugular venipuncture Seldinger technique especially in cats and small dogs.
- Major risk of exsanguination if catheter placed in arterial system becomes disconnected.
- Arterial catheters have greater tendency to 'clot' than venous catheters and require frequent 'flushing'.
- Procedure uncomfortable for patients. Use of local anesthetic cream or subcutaneous injection of local anesthetic over artery Local anesthesia: overview , beneficial in the unanesthetized patient.
- Risk of hematoma formation. Apply firm digital pressure for at least four minutes after removal of catheter or failed attempt to place one.
- Small risk of creating ischemia in extremity served by artery.
Alternative techniques
- None.
Time required
Preparation
- Two minutes.
Procedure
- Two minutes (with experience).
Requirements
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Preparation
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Technique
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Aftercare
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Outcomes
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