Advanced practice organ procurement techniques: insertion of arterial catheters

Placement of arterial catheters by organ procurement coordinators is becoming more common. Classroom and clinical training in this technique and provision of appropriate quality assurance and supportive policies/procedures by organ procurement programs will ensure the coordinators' success. This discussion reviews technical aspects of insertion of catheters into the radial, femoral, and axillary arteries, potential complications, and alternative noninvasive methods of measuring blood pressure.