Which complications are associated with direct arterial pressure monitoring?

Direct arterial pressure monitoring, commonly employed in critical care and anesthesia settings, is a technique that allows for real-time blood pressure measurement through a vascular catheter. One significant complication associated with this invasive procedure is distal ischemia, which can occur due to several factors.

When an arterial line is placed, particularly if the catheter is positioned incorrectly or if there is prolonged pressure from the catheter on the arterial wall, blood flow may be compromised to the tissues that are distal to the site of catheter placement. This can lead to ischemia, which is the inadequate supply of blood to a specific area, resulting in limited oxygen and nutrient delivery to the tissues. If left unrecognized, distal ischemia can cause significant damage and even loss of limb function if the obstruction persists.

Limb edema, peripheral neuropathy, and compartment syndrome are potential complications that may result from various medical interventions or conditions, but they are not intrinsically linked to the direct arterial pressure monitoring technique in the same manner. For instance, while limb edema can result from fluid overload or other factors, it is not a direct consequence of arterial catheterization. Peripheral neuropathy may arise from systemic conditions or pressure on nerves but is not a common or direct result of the arterial monitoring process. Compartment syndrome is typically