Q: What could be the hemodynamic pitfall of placing Dorsalis Pedis Arterial line?


Answer: Potentially dangerous hypotension being missed!

Due to distal systolic pulse amplification, the systolic peak is steeper the further down the arterial vasculature tree blood travels - called “reflected waves” phenomenon. This may give false sense of adequate blood pressure.

 Reference:

 Parry T, Hirsch N, Fauvel N. - Comparison of direct blood pressure measurement at the radial and dorsalis pedis arteries during surgery in the horizontal and reverse Trendelenburg positions. - Anaesthesia. 1995 Jun;50(6):553-5.