Procedures » Arterial Line

DOCUMENTATION

EQUIPMENT

  • Arterial Catheter
  • Suture
  • Lidocaine
  • Needles for injection
  • Chloroprep
  • Sterile Drape
  • Sterile Gloves
  • Sterile Gown
  • Faceshield
  • Arterial Line Monitor

PROCEDURE

  • Positioning: The patient’s hand should be positioned in extension 20 degrees which should bring the artery closer to the skin for easier placement of the line. A roll under the wrist can be used.
  • Prep the site with chlrohexidine and draped appropriately.
  • Sterile gloves, gown and facemask should be used during the procedure.
  • The radial artery should be palpated 1 to 2 cm proximal to the wrist.
  • The area should be marked.
  • The anesthetic needle with lidocaine should be inserted and a small wheal placed
  • The Arterial catheter is inserted at 30-45-degrees at the site of entry.
  • The catheter should be advanced slowly through the skin until a flash of blood is seen
  • The needle should then be advanced a few millimeters farther
  • The wire is then slid into the vessel which should be without resistance
  • The catheter is then advanced over the wire.
  • Pressure is then placed proximal to the catheter and the wire and needle are removed
  • The catheter is connected to the monitor system.
  • The catheter is then sutured in place

PROCEDURE NOTE

Date:

Indication: Hemodynamic Monitoring/Arterial Blood Gases

Resident:

Attending:

Patient was evaluated and required arterial line for above reason.

Consent was(?)was not obtained and a time-out was completed verifying correct patient, procedure, site, positioning. The patient was placed in appropriate position for arterial line placement. The patient’s right(?)left wrist(?)thigh was prepped and draped in sterile fashion. 1% Lidocaine was(?)was not used to anesthetize the surrounding skin area. The needle was introduced into the radial(?)femoral artery and appropriate blood return was obtained. The wire was advanced and the catheter was threaded over the wire and needle and wire were removed. The catheter was attached to the BP monitor and good waveform was shown. The catheter was then sutured in place. Blood loss was minimal.

Patient tolerated the procedure well and there were no complications