Peripheral arterial line - infants

A PAL is a small, short (less than 1.5 inches) plastic catheter placed through the skin into an artery of the arm or leg.

WHY IS A PAL USED?

The purpose of a PAL is to allow continuous monitoring of your baby?s blood pressure and, when necessary, to allow frequent blood samples to be drawn for testing without needing to repeatedly stick your baby. A PAL is most often used if your baby has severe lung disease requiring mechanical ventilation or has blood pressure problems requiring the use of very strong medications.

HOW IS A PAL PLACED?

A peripheral pulse is usually identified in either the wrist or the inside ankle area.

After a sterile wash, a small IV catheter is inserted into the artery and connected to IV tubing. This tubing is then connected to an IV bag and a blood pressure monitor.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF A PAL?

The most serious risk for a PAL is interruption of the blood supply to the hand or foot. Prevention of this complication is usually possible by testing before the PAL is placed. The NICU nurses carefully monitor your baby for this possible problem.

Compared to standard IV?s, bleeding is a greater risk, but infection is a lower risk with PALs.

Email this page  Printer friendly  Bookmark this page