Vascular Catheterization—Auricular Artery and Vein



Figure 16.2 Butterfly taping of an auricular vein catheter, which may be sutured/stapled into place, or the ear may be bandaged for catheter security.

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Auricular Artery Catheterization


The auricular arteries are located on the dorsum of the ear and are most easily palpated on the upper one-third of the ear. Using digital palpation, each vessel on the ear is palpated for a pulse and the artery identified. Good head restraint is used and an over-the-needle catheter is placed and taped into place. A pulsing flow of bright red blood confirms arterial placement. Hematoma formation is common from arterial catheterization and after a failed attempt at catheterization or after removal of a catheter, firm pressure should be applied to the insertion site for several minutes.





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Nov 6, 2016 | Posted by in GENERAL | Comments Off on Vascular Catheterization—Auricular Artery and Vein

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