Invasive Blood Pressure Monitoring: How to Measure & Risks

Blood pressure measurement is a fundamental diagnostic procedure that provides crucial insights into cardiovascular health and guides therapeutic interventions. There are two primary methods of measuring blood pressure: invasive and non-invasive. Invasive blood pressure monitoring involves the insertion of a catheter directly into an artery, allowing for continuous, real-time monitoring of blood pressure. On the other hand, non-invasive blood pressure monitoring, commonly performed using a cuff placed around the arm, offers a simpler and safer way to obtain blood pressure readings but lacks the continuous data provided by invasive methods.

This article will focus on invasive blood pressure monitoring. We will explore when and how to measure blood pressure with invasive method.

How to Measure Invasive Blood Pressure

• Properly positioning the transducer at the height of the right atrium (typically at the level of the mid-axillary line on the chest). This ensures that the transducer accurately reflects the hydrostatic pressure at the level of the heart, reducing errors in the blood pressure measurement due to hydrostatic pressure differences.
• Fill the System with the Physiological Solution Present in the Pressure Bag. This step removes air from the system, which is crucial for preventing inaccuracies caused by air bubbles affecting the pressure readings.
• Temporarily isolate the artery by closing the tap on the arterial line. This prevents blood from entering the transducer during the zeroing and calibration process, ensuring that the pressure readings are not influenced by arterial pressure.
• Put the Control System in Contact with Room Air. Expose the transducer to room air to set the zero point for the monitoring system. This calibration step establishes atmospheric pressure as the baseline, which is critical for accurate pressure measurement.
• Press the reset button on the monitor to initiate the automatic zeroing process. This ensures that the system starts with a clean slate, eliminating any residual pressure readings or errors from previous uses.
• Reopen the tap to reconnect the transducer with the arterial line and resume continuous blood pressure monitoring. This step is essential for starting the real-time blood pressure monitoring, allowing for accurate and ongoing assessment of the patient’s cardiovascular status.

Risks and Potential Complications

Invasive blood pressure monitoring, while providing accurate and continuous pressure measurements, does come with risks and potential complications. The method involves arterial cannulation, which inherently presents several challenges and complications ranging from mild to severe. Here’s a breakdown of the complications:

• hemorrhage from the injury;
• thrombosis or embolism;
• vasospasm;
• intrarterial drug administration.

The use of invasive blood pressure monitoring is indicative of severe clinical scenarios where precise and continuous monitoring is necessary to guide treatment. By understanding the specific indications and the optimal methods for arterial access, healthcare providers can effectively implement IBP to improve patient outcomes, minimize risks, and adapt treatment plans dynamically.

Radial Artery Cannulation VS Femoral Artery Cannulation

Choosing the appropriate arterial access point for invasive blood pressure (IBP) monitoring involves careful consideration of several factors including the patient’s condition, the duration of monitoring required, and specific risks associated with each site. Here is a detailed look at the criteria for choosing between common arterial access points such as the radial and femoral arteries, along with their respective advantages and disadvantages.

Get Invasive Blood Pressure at Medke

Medke, with its commitment to innovation and quality, offers a comprehensive range of medical monitoring solutions, including both invasive and non-invasive blood pressure monitoring systems. These products are designed with the latest technology to ensure accuracy, durability, and ease of use, supporting healthcare professionals in delivering optimal patient care.

For more information on blood pressure monitoring products, visit our website or contact us via info@medke.com today.

Resources:

Cannulation of the radial artery: advantages and disadvantages: link

Comparative Study of the Radial and Femoral Artery Approaches for Diagnostic Coronary Angiography: link

Invasive Blood Pressure Overview: link