Insertion of an Arterial Catheter: IAC

The Insertion of an Arterial Catheter: IAC is a procedure in which the doctor or a specially trained nurse inserts a catheter in an artery, usually in the wrist. Insertion of an arterial cater is performed in the ICU to facilitate hemodynamic monitoring and frequent blood sampling. 

An arterial line is used in very ill or injured patients to take continuous blood pressure readings. This is called intra-arterial pressure monitoring. It also provides a way to draw blood for lab tests without repeated punctures.

Which Ultrasound Scanner is best used for Insertion of An Arterial Catheter?

The Mini Linear Handheld Wi-Fi Ultrasound Scanner MLCD is strongly suggested to Physicians, Acute Care Nurse Practitioners (ACNP), ICU Physician Assistants (PAs), Anesthesiologist Assistants (CAAs), Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs), and Respiratory Therapists.

Thanks to its 10 to 14 MHz Frequency Range, it can provide the most accurate and high-resolution image for the identification of the right artery to operate on.

Besides, The needle guide feature, helps the doctor insert the needle into the correct position.

Ultrasound imaging allows the practitioner to see the surrounding structures. It can help medical practitioners accurately locate the artery and insert the catheter.

Particularly when surgeries involve children, Ultrasound can prevent the need for multiple needle sticks. This reduces the occurrence of hematoma (a localized collection of blood outside the blood vessels) or damage to the artery, compared with other techniques such as palpation of the artery (feeling through the skin for the pulse).

To sum up, Ultrasound guidance significantly increases the likelihood of successful cannulation and decreases complications compared with traditional landmark-based techniques.

References: Arterial Line Insertion