A-lines

A-lines, or arterial lines, are thin tubes inserted into an artery, usually in the wrist or arm, to directly measure blood pressure and monitor blood flow in real-time. They provide continuous, accurate readings that are essential for critically ill patients or during surgeries. The line connects to a monitoring system, allowing healthcare providers to track blood pressure precisely and quickly respond to changes. A-lines also enable frequent blood sampling without repeated needle pokes, which helps in managing medication levels and assessing overall circulatory health.