Challenging intensive care policy

In the intensive care unit blood is frequently sampled for arterial blood gases via an indwelling arterial catheter. Around a third of critically ill patients have such catheters inserted; they allow not only easy access for blood sampling but also continuous monitoring of blood pressure. In a short editorial the authors argue against the current widespread use of arterial catheters on the basis that they may on balance be of more harm than benefit to patients. 

The principal risks associated with arterial catheterization are blood-stream infection and thrombosis. The authors argue that the information provided by arterial catheterization can almost always be provided by other means. They call for more study aimed at assessing the relative risks and benefits of arterial catheterization.