We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Is Invasive Blood Pressure?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 6,537
Share

Invasive blood pressure is a highly accurate and continuous blood pressure measurement provided through a catheter inserted into a patient’s artery. Several arteries can be used as insertion sites and this option may be recommended for an unstable patient in the hospital. This technique is widely considered a gold standard because of the high degree of accuracy when compared to non-invasive, also known as indirect, methods like applying a blood pressure cuff. It can also carry some risks which may be considered before implementing it for a given patient.

In situations where invasive blood pressure monitoring is appropriate, a medical provider inserts a catheter into an artery, making sure it is clearly labeled as an arterial catheter. It is attached to a length of tubing which connects to a container of saline. As the pressure in the line changes in response to the heartbeat, a diaphragm records the changes and generates a waveform of the patient’s blood pressure. Beat by beat, medical providers can monitor for changes and spot irregularities.

Direct measurement of blood pressure allows for very accurate monitoring, which can be important in a patient who is not medically stable. A doctor may recommend invasive blood pressure to monitor minute changes during treatment, especially if the procedure is likely to cause spikes or falls in blood pressure. Patients in intensive care may be monitored with this technique as well because of the superior accuracy, and because repeat measurements with a cuff can be irritating and may potentially damage the soft tissue.

Placement of a catheter in an artery also provides a convenient point to take blood samples for the purpose of arterial blood gases and other tests. Critically ill patients may need regular blood tests for monitoring purposes and it can be safer to take them from a fixed catheter than to insert a new needle every time. One potential risk is that someone could mistakenly inject medications into the catheter, which could cause severe complications because drugs are intended for intravenous, not arterial, delivery.

Other concerns with invasive blood pressure can include risks of infection and clotting as a result of the catheter insertion, especially if it needs to be left in place for a long time. Medical practitioners may monitor the site for signs of complications so they can intervene if a problem develops. They check for issues like heat, redness, and swelling that might indicate the patient has inflammation. Keeping the site clean and dry also helps prevent problems associated with invasive blood pressure monitoring.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGeek researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-invasive-blood-pressure.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.