Paediatrics: Peripheral arterial cannulation

Peripheral arterial cannulation

This procedure is indicated when repeated arterial blood sampling or arte-rial pressure monitoring is required. The most common arteries used are those described for peripheral arterial blood sampling.

Equipment 

As for IV cannula.

Procedure

• Identify selected artery by method described above and follow the procedure described, but use a cannula instead of a needle.

• When blood flashes back into the hub, advance the cannula smoothly over the stylet and into the artery.

• Remove the stylet and immediately stop the bleeding by applying pressure over the artery and the tip of the catheter with your finger.

• Connect a 3-way tap that has been previously flushed with heparinized saline. Samples can be obtained from the unused ports.

• Flush the arterial line with heparinized saline (1U/mL) and connect the saline infusion line at 1–2mL/h (1U heparin/mL).

• A pressure transducer may be attached to continuously monitor arterial BP.