Arterial catheterization

Arterial catheterization is used frequently in the management of critically ill patients, both for continuous blood pressure monitoring and access to the arterial circulation to obtain frequent blood gas measurements. The procedure is usually easily accomplished at the bedside using percutaneous methods such as the Seldinger technique to cannulate the radial, brachial, axillary, femoral, or dorsalis pedis artery. Meticulous attention to aseptic technique is necessary during insertion and catheter maintenance to minimize the risk of catheter-related infection. Other potential complications include hemorrhage, ischemia, arteriovenous fistula, and pseudoaneurysm formation.