Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 24, 2026
Utilizing Percutaneous Ventricular Assist Devices in Acute Myocardial Infarction Complicated by Cardiogenic Shock
Published on: June 12, 2021
Management of an absent pulse following arterial catheterization
1Consultant Paediatric Cardiologist, Birmingham Children's Hospital, Steelhouse Lane, Birmingham B4 6NH, UK.
Insights
Arterial cannulation can cause vascular damage, with interventional procedures posing a higher risk. Minimizing risks involves using small catheters, ensuring a clean puncture, and administering heparin.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Interventional Cardiology
- Medical Device Technology
Background:
- Arterial cannulation is a common procedure for diagnostic and interventional catheterization.
- Arterial damage incidence ranges from 1% to 45%, influenced by patient factors, catheter size, and procedure type.
- Complications include spasm, thrombus, endothelial flap, dissection, or avulsion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify factors contributing to arterial damage during catheterization.
- To outline strategies for minimizing the risks of arterial injury.
Main Methods:
- Review of factors influencing arterial damage incidence.
- Analysis of complications arising from arterial cannulation.
Main Results:
- Interventional catheterization carries a significantly higher risk of arterial damage compared to diagnostic procedures.
- Absence of pulse post-cannulation can stem from various vascular complications.
Conclusions:
- Minimizing arterial damage requires meticulous technique, including clean puncture and appropriate catheter size.
- Heparin administration and short procedure times are recommended to reduce complication risks.
Abstract:
Arterial cannulation is a common procedure for diagnostic as well as interventional catheterisation. The incidence of arterial damage varies from around 1% to 45 % depending on the size of the patient, size of catheters used, repeat procedures, pre-existing vascular disease and whether the procedure was interventional as opposed to diagnostic (twelve times higher risk with intervention). The absence of a pulse following catheterisation can result from spasm, local thrombus formation, formation of a flap of endothelium, dissection or avulsion of the artery. In order to minimize the risks of arterial damage the following factors may help: a clean puncture, small French catheters, tapered well-fitting introducer sheaths, a short procedure time and administration of heparin (50 to 100 units/kg with further dose/s if the procedure lasts more than 75 minutes).
Related Concept Videos
01:13Special considerations while measuring pulse
01:26Cardiac Catheterization IV: Nursing Management
01:11Assessment of radial pulse
The radial pulse, located at the wrist, is often the preferred site for assessing peripheral pulse because of its accessibility and dependability. The process of determining the radial pulse involves several steps:
01:16Pulse
The pulse serves as a clinical indicator...
01:05Pulse
Pulse Rate and its Significance
Pulse rate, often measured in beats per minute (bpm), reflects the heart rate (HR), which is influenced by numerous factors such as stress, physical activity, and hormonal changes. A normal resting adult pulse rate falls between...
01:25Assessment of apical radial pulse
The A-R pulse assessment involves simultaneous evaluation of the apical and radial pulses. When the apical and radial pulse rates vary, this assessment helps identify a pulse deficit.
Pre-Procedural Preparation