How long is an intra-arterial blood pressure monitor used?
The intra-arterial blood pressure monitor is normally used only for a short time. Does intra-arterial blood pressure monitoring hurt? Yes, when the catheter is first inserted the patient experiences discomfort similar to that felt when blood is drawn for testing. However, the discomfort soon goes away. Are there any potential complications associated with blood pressure measurement or monitoring? There are no significant complications associated with monitoring blood pressure by the inflatable cuff method. Bleeding and infections are rare complications associated with intra-arterial blood pressure monitoring.
