# Arterial Lines

- Link: https://sifsof.com/clinical-apps/arterial-lines/
- Published: 2019-08-30T14:08:55+00:00
- Author: Monica

**The insertion of the arterial lines** catheter by means of a blind palpation technique,
without **ultrasound guidance**, sometimes requires multiple attempts and thus contributes
to patient discomfort and predisposes the patient to bleeding and arterial spasm.

Successful arterial catheterization can be challenging in patients who are obese
and in patients with edema, hypotension, or vascular anomalies, such as tortuous
vessels.

### **Which ultrasound scanner do doctors use for the insertion of arterial lines?**

Doctors prefer the [SIFULTRAS-3.5](https://sifsof.com/product/linear-handheld-wifi-ultrasound-scanner-10-12-14-mhz-sifultras-3-5/)
as it is has a built in needle guide.

 Ultrasound guidance (USG) is faster and more successful than traditional blind 
palpation (TBP) for radial artery line placement. In order to assess the vasculature,
you will need a linear-array transducer ultrasound probe with a frequency range 
of 5 to 13 MHz.

The ultrasound guidance can be more effective than palpation for the insertion of
a radial arterial catheter in such patients. Ultrasonography can also decrease patient
anxiety and discomfort and can reduce procedure-related complications .

 Once the radial artery has been identified using the ultrasound scaner, have the
assistant adjust the gain to optimize the contrast between the black vessels and
the surrounding structures. Next, adjust the depth so that the artery appears in
the center of the ultrasound screen and is clearly visible. As you scan the artery
from the wrist to the antecubital fossa, look for arterial tortuosity and calcification.
Locate a section of the artery with a large diameter and minimal calcification.

Source: [Ultrasound-Guided Insertion of a Radial Arterial Catheter](https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMvcm1213181).

Arterial lines are typically inserted by Physicians, **[Anesthesiologists](https://sifsof.com/product-category/doctor-specialties/anesthesiologist/)**,
Acute Care Nurse Practitioners (ACNP), ICU Physician Assistants (PAs), **Anesthesiologist**
Assistants (CAAs), Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs), and **Respiratory Therapists**.

[[

 * ![Mini Linear Handheld WiFi Ultrasound Scanner 10-12-14 MHz, SIFULTRAS-3.5 main](
   https://sifsof.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/SIFULTRAS-3.5-mini-linear-ultrasound-
   scanner-300x300.jpg)
 * Mini Linear Handheld WiFi Ultrasound Scanner 10-12-14 MHz, SIFULTRAS-3.5

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_Disclaimer: Although the information we provide is used by different doctors and
medical staff to perform their procedures and clinical applications, the information
contained in this article is for consideration only. SIFSOF is not responsible neither
for the misuse of the device nor for the wrong or random generalizability of the
device in all clinical applications or procedures mentioned in our articles. Users
must have the proper training and skills to perform the procedure with each ultrasound
scanner device._

_The products mentioned in this article are only for sale to medical staff (doctors,
nurses, certified practitioners, etc.) or to private users assisted by or under 
the supervision of a medical professional.  _