Why is this procedure done?
An arterial line is a thin plastic tube placed into a blood vessel. It is most often placed in an artery in your wrist or in your groin. The plastic tube is connected to I.V. fluids and to a special machine. You may need an arterial line to: ‚
- Monitor and record your blood pressure
- Allow easy access to have lab tests drawn often
- Monitor gases in the blood
What will the results be?
The staff will be able to watch your blood pressure very closely. This is important if your blood pressure is very high or low. Doctors will be able to know how much oxygen is in your blood. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history and do an exam. Talk to your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin ‚ ®, ibuprofen, Aleve ‚ ® (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
What happens during the procedure?
- The area where the line will be placed is cleaned with an antiseptic.
- Your doctor will give you a drug to numb the area.
- Your doctor will put a needle into an artery. The thin plastic tube is gently advanced into your artery and the doctor will take out the needle. A special machine and I.V. fluids are hooked to the tube. The doctor may stitch the arterial line to your skin to keep it in place.
- Your doctor will cover the arterial line with a dressing. Your doctor may use a splint or armboard to keep you from bending or moving your arm or leg.
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Clean the sites gently with mild soap and water. Rinse with clean water and gently pat dry.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Infection
- Arterial line falls out
- Infusion line gets disconnected
- Blocked artery
- Bleeding
- Injury to nearby tissues
- Blood clot
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, and wound that will not heal.
- Swelling, redness, warmth around the site
- Pain, numbness, or tingling sensation in the affected arm
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Where can I learn more?
American Thoracic Society ‚
http://patients.thoracic.org/information-series/en/resources/arterial-catheterization.pdf ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚