Does anybody know of any contraindication for placing an arterial line on the same side as a mastectomy with nodal removal. I understand no PIV and no cuff B/P on that side but I was recently asked if there was any contraindication to an arterial line but could not think of any. Any opinions, science or evidence would be appreciated on this subject.
Thank you,
sod, San Francisco
I would not recommend either a venous or arterial puncture on the same side as a mastectomy with any amount of lymp node dissection. There is very little published evidence to support avoidance of that extremity for venipuncture and I am not aware of any published studies for arterial puncture. However, the circulatory system and the lymphatic drainage system is structurally very close together. Any damage to the venous or arterial side has the potential to lead to lymphedema. Lynn
Lynn Hadaway, M.Ed., RN, BC, CRNI
Lynn Hadaway Associates, Inc.
126 Main Street, PO Box 10
Milner, GA 30257
Website http://www.hadawayassociates.com
Office Phone 770-358-7861
Thank you Lynn
SOD