Arterial Lines

Evidence 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8561947/ 

Sachin Shah, Amita Kaul, Shambhavi Mishra, and Shridhar Pawale 

Sick neonates admitted in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) need frequent monitoring in form of arterial blood gases, laboratory studies and continuous blood pressure monitoring. Intermittent sampling by arterial puncture, venipuncture or capillary puncture can lead to excessive handling of neonate, pain, local hematoma, thrombosis, etc. Also, non-invasive blood pressure (NIBP) monitoring does not correlate with invasive blood pressure making judgements based on NIBP erroneous. Hence, in spite of advances in non-invasive monitoring, continuous arterial monitoring is still necessary in sick neonates, especially those needing hemodynamic and ventilatory support. 

Education 

An arterial line is a thin tube (catheter) that is inserted into an artery, which is a blood vessel that carries oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body. This line helps the healthcare team monitor your baby’s blood pressure continuously and take small blood samples to check things like oxygen & carbon dioxide (blood gas) levels and nutrients. By using the arterial line, they don’t have to prick your baby’s skin with needles as often. 

The line is usually placed in your baby’s wrist, arm, or occasionally in their foot. The area is cleaned very carefully to make sure it is free from germs. After it’s in place, the nurses will keep it secure, so that it doesn’t move. 

Why Does My Baby Need an Arterial Line? 

Babies in the neonatal unit might need an arterial line for different reasons. Some babies need close monitoring because they are very small, very sick, or born too early. The arterial line helps the healthcare team obtain quick and accurate information to give your baby the best care. 

Having this line in place can also make things easier for your baby because it reduces the number of times they need blood drawn or extra handling for other tests. It helps to keep their care as gentle as possible. 

Empowerment  

It’s normal to feel a little worried when you see medical equipment around your baby. Remember, that the arterial line is there to help them. You can still be close to your baby and comfort them in many ways. Talking softly, singing, or just being near can make your baby feel loved and secure. If you’re unsure about the line or how it’s working, you can always ask the nurses or doctors to explain it to you. 

Useful Links 

Royal Women’s Hospital, Victoria 

https://thewomens.r.worldssl.net/images/uploads/fact-sheets/IVS-drips-newborns-020119.pdf 

Panda - Perinatal Mental Health  

https://panda.org.au/  

COPE – Centre of Perinatal Excellence  

http://www.cope.org.au/new-parents/first-weeks/coping-following-a-premature-birth/ 

For When – Perinatal Mental Health and Wellbeing 

https://forwhenhelpline.org.au/