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Arterial Lines (A-line)

Also known as an art-line or a-line, which is a thin tube typically

inserted into the radial or brachial arteries or the femoral, poste-
rior tibial or dorsal pedal artery for the lower extremities.

Function:
1. Measures arterial blood pressure in real time
2. Obtain samples for arterial blood gas analysis

Dr. Rice’s clinical note: Arterial lines are not typically used for admin-
istration of medications. In practice, it is much more common for drugs
to be administered through a venous catheter.

Most commonly used with:

1. Critically ill patients

2. Hypertensive crisis
3. Uncontrolled hypertension
4. Post MI

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Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC)

Also known as the PICC line and is a long thin tube inserted
into a peripheral vein and advanced to the superior vena cava.

Function:

1. Administration of chemotherapy drugs

2. Extended antibiotic therapy
3. Parenteral Nutrition
4. Administration of drugs that should not be injected peripher-
ally.

Dr. Rice’s Clinical Note: PICC lines can remain in place for days to
weeks and can deliver proteins, electrolytes, carbohydrates, vitamins,
and minerals when a patient is unable to absorb nutrients using a
feeding tube.

Most commonly used with:

1. Cancer
2. Critically ill patients
3. Patients requiring frequent blood draws

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Hickman Catheter (CVC)

Also known as the central venous catheter or central venous

line which is a clear tube inserted in the jugular vein or other
large vein and advanced to the superior vena cava.

Function:

1. Deliver chemotherapy
2. Withdrawal of blood for analysis
3. Monitoring central venous pressure

Dr. Rice’s clinical note: Hickman Catheters remain in place for ex-
tended periods. These are used when the patient will receive long-
term intravenous drug administration.

Most commonly used with:

1. Cancer
2. Sepsis
3. Patient requiring frequent blood draws
4. Long-term pain medication administration

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Swan Ganz Catheter (PAC)

Also known as the pulmonary artery catheter which is a long

thin tube with a balloon tip on the end typically inserted into
the right side of the heart.

Function:

1. Monitor pulmonary artery pressure

2. Measure effectiveness of cardiovascular medications
3. Diagnose right heart failure
4. Measure right ventricular filling pressure

Most commonly used with:

1. Heart failure
2. Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
3. Heart Function Post-MI
4. Cardiomyopathy

REFERENCES:
Acute Care Handbook for Physical Therapists, 4th Edition
by Jaime C. Paz, MS, PT and Michele P. West, MS, PT

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