Doppler monitoring of arterial punctures

The authors describe a simple ultrasonic technique for monitoring arterial patency of the limb distal to the site of the arterial catheterization as well as the heart rate. The same system may be used to guide the puncture in obese patients and monitor patency of the artery while applying pressure with a clamp following catheter removal. This technique has been used in 800 patients over a three-year period with no untoward complications.