1. How can difficult arterial line placements impact patient outcomes?
Difficult arterial line placements can lead to procedural time delays and reduced operating room efficiency, potentially impacting patient outcomes. Multiple attempts in securing the line may result in complications such as hematoma formation or arterial spasms, rendering the artery unusable. This issue can be mitigated by using an ultrasound-guided approach or the Seldinger's technique. However, dedicated arterial cannulas for the latter are expensive and not feasible in low-cost settings. Therefore, using a modified Seldinger's technique with a smaller size Foley's catheter and guide wire can be a cost-effective solution to establish radial arterial lines in low-cost settings, reducing complications associated with repeated attempts.
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