Complications resulting from use of arterial catheters: retrograde flow and rapid elevation in blood pressure.

Arterial catheters, routinely used in neonatal intensive care units, have been associated with serious complications. In the present studies, retrograde blood flow occurring during routine flushing of peripheral and umbilical catheters is described. This retrograde flow is associated with a significant elevation of blood pressure at distant sites. These phenomena depend on the volume flushed and on the velocity of the flushing process. These phenomena can be prevented by flushing a small volume of 0.5 mL for a period of five seconds.