Patient education: Arterial line placement (The Basics)

What is an arterial line? — An arterial line is sometimes called an "art line." It is a thin plastic tube, or "catheter," that is placed into an artery. An artery is a blood vessel that brings blood from the heart to the rest of the body. The arterial line is connected to tubing and fluids. This keeps the artery flushed and helps prevent blood clots from forming.

You might need an arterial line to:

●Help monitor and record your blood pressure – This often gives a more accurate result than using a blood pressure cuff.

●Make it easier to draw blood for lab tests – Instead of using a needle to get blood from a vein, the staff can take blood from the arterial line.

●Monitor oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in your blood – Doctors use this information to help treat lung and heart problems.

Doctors most often use an artery in your wrist for an arterial line. But sometimes, the groin or another site is used.

What happens before an arterial line is placed? — Before placing the arterial line, your doctor will review your history and examine the area where the line will be placed. In some cases, doctors need to place an arterial line in an emergency.

If it is not an emergency, the doctors will talk with you about your options. They will explain the risks and benefits of having an arterial line. Ask the doctor or nurse if you have questions or if there is anything you do not understand.

What happens during arterial line placement? — Often, an arterial line is placed after you have been given anesthesia. Or you might get medicines to make you relax and feel sleepy, called "sedatives."

When it is time for the procedure:

●The staff will clean the area for the arterial line with a special soap. They will cover it with sterile towels and sheets. They will wear face masks, hats, gowns, and gloves. This is to help prevent infection.

●The doctor might give you a local anesthetic. This is a medicine to numb a small part of your body so you don't feel pain.

●They might use an ultrasound machine to guide the arterial line into your artery. An ultrasound is an imaging test that creates pictures of the inside of your body. The doctor will put the arterial line into your artery and slide it into place. Sometimes, it takes more than 1 try to place an arterial line correctly.

●In some cases, the doctor will put in a stitch to hold the arterial line in place.

●When the procedure is done, the doctor will "flush" the arterial line with sterile fluid. Then, they will put a bandage on to hold the line in place.

●The procedure usually only takes a few minutes.

What happens after an arterial line is placed? — After the arterial line is in place, the nurse will connect it to fluids and a monitor. Then, the staff will use the arterial line to monitor your blood pressure. They will also use it to draw blood for lab tests if needed.

The arterial line will stay in place as long as you need it and it is working well. When it is no longer needed, the doctor will remove the arterial line. They will place a small pressure bandage over the area to prevent bleeding. You can take this bandage off the next day.

What are the risks of an arterial line? — Your doctor will talk to you about all of the possible risks, and answer your questions. Possible, but rare, risks include:

●Bleeding

●Blood clots

●Embolism (something blocking the artery, such as a blood clot or an air bubble)

●Infection

●Injury to nearby tissue

●Numbness and tingling of the fingers, hand, and wrist

●Tissue dying because it does not get enough blood supply

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Patient education: Blood pressure measurement (The Basics)