Arterial catheter

Arterial access is primarily used for intravascular, continuous blood pressure measurement, sampling of arterial blood for laboratory and blood gas analyzes and for insertion of instruments (for example, cardiac catheter examinations).

Technology

For the puncture to use special Arterienverweilkatheter that are structured similarly to peripheral venous catheter. Alternatively, or for additions larger diameter, which serve as locks for the introduction of instruments, such as cardiac catheterization, arteries are punctured usually in the Seldinger technique. After removal of the arterial line is to ensure adequate compression of the puncture site, so that it comes to a quick stop bleeding.

Contraindications

Contraindications for arterial puncture are coagulation disorders, vascular prostheses ( femoral artery ) and a pathologic Allen test in the radial artery.

Complications

Complications of arterial puncture is bleeding, thrombosis ( formation of a blood clot ), infections and the development of aneurysms, and arterio-venous fistulas. Accidental Intra-arterial injection of drugs can lead to necrosis and about with barbiturates cause loss of an arm. Arterial access is therefore clearly marked to avoid accidental injections.

Localizations

As localizations of first choice for an arterial access are:

  • Radial artery (before puncture of the radial artery is the Allen test to perform )
  • ( Also especially suitable for accesses with large diameter ) femoral artery

Localizations of second choice are:

  • Ulnar artery (before puncturing the ulnar artery is the Allen test to perform )
  • Brachial artery
  • Axillary artery

Source

  • Heck, Fresenius: Refresher Anesthesiology. Springer, 2007. ISBN 978-3-540-46575-1
  • Injection and infusion
  • Diagnostic procedures in anesthesia
  • The diagnostic method in intensive care
Allen's test
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