The Annals of Thoracic Surgery, Vol 21, 557-559, Copyright © 1976 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons
Direct monitoring of arterial pressure in the newborn and infant: a difficult procedure made easy
GN Olinger and DG Mulder
Accurate continuous measurement of arterial blood pressure, especially
during and following operation, is indispensable for optimal management of
the seriously ill newborn or infant. Conventional indirect techniques
(flush technique, auscultation, Doppler monitoring device) for assessing
the circulatory status in this age group are not reliable, and a direct
method would be preferable. Arterial cannulation in such patients has been
discouraged by the technical problems related to former techniques.