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Ultrasound-guided arterial catheterization: a narrative review

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Abstract

Arterial catheterization is the second most common invasive procedure performed in the intensive care unit. Despite the ubiquity of the procedure, complications including failure to place the catheter occur. While many clinicians are familiar with the use of ultrasound (US) guidance to decrease complication rates of central venous catheter insertion, fewer are familiar with the use of ultrasound to guide arterial catheterization. This manuscript reviews the evidence for the utility of ultrasound for this indication. Technical aspects of the procedure and limitations of the existing evidence are reviewed. A description of the procedure is provided, along with an online supplemental video. Most studies indicate that first-pass success will be improved with US-guided (USG) arterial catheterization. The technique is easy to learn, particularly if one is already familiar with USG for central venous catheter placement. More research, including formal analyses of cost effectiveness, is needed.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to acknowledge Dr. Richard Savel for providing the narration used in the supplemental video.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Jay B. Langner Critical Care Service, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, 10467, USA

    Ariel L. Shiloh & Lewis A. Eisen

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  1. Ariel L. Shiloh
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  2. Lewis A. Eisen
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Correspondence to Ariel L. Shiloh.

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Shiloh, A.L., Eisen, L.A. Ultrasound-guided arterial catheterization: a narrative review. Intensive Care Med 36, 214–221 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00134-009-1699-6

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