How To Fix Failed Arterial Line (2026)

: If blood cannot be aspirated, a thrombus may be present. Use ultrasound with Doppler to visualize flow around the catheter tip.

The shape of the waveform provides clues to the specific failure mode. HOW TO FIX FAILED ARTERIAL LINE

: If the radial line is positional, try extending the wrist slightly with a roll of gauze or an arm board. : If blood cannot be aspirated, a thrombus may be present

If the hardware is intact but the line is "positional" or sluggish, try these interventions: : If blood cannot be aspirated

: Re-level the transducer at the phlebostatic axis (4th intercostal space, mid-axillary line) and re-zero to atmospheric pressure. 📉 Waveform Issues