Arterial catheter

Arterial Catheter

An arterial catheter is a thin, flexible tube that is inserted into an artery of a patient, typically in the wrist or groin. It is a common medical procedure used in intensive care medicine to monitor blood pressure in real-time and to obtain samples for arterial blood gas measurements.

Indications

Arterial catheters are primarily used in intensive care units (ICUs) and operating rooms. They are indicated for patients who require continuous blood pressure monitoring, particularly those with unstable hemodynamics, and for patients who require frequent arterial blood gas analysis.

Procedure

The procedure for inserting an arterial catheter, also known as arterial line placement, involves several steps. First, the site of insertion is cleaned and numbed with a local anesthetic. Then, a needle is inserted into the artery, through which a guide wire is passed. The needle is then removed, and the catheter is threaded over the guide wire and into the artery. The guide wire is then removed, leaving the catheter in place.

Complications

While arterial catheterization is generally safe, complications can occur. These may include infection, bleeding, arterial damage, and thrombosis.

See Also

• Intensive care medicine
• Blood pressure
• Arterial blood gas