What is Invasive measurement of Blood Pressure?

There are generally two different ways of measuring blood pressure. They are categorized as invasive and non invasive ways of measuring blood pressure. Non invasive ways rely on pressure reading using ways that do not include injecting or other invading procedures, whereas invasive methods involve directly dealing with the arteries for measuring the blood pressure. Invasive methods give more accurate results than non invasive methods. Invasive measurement involves direct measurement of the pressure in the arterial line by placing a needle known as the cannula needle in an artery. As such this method requires handling by skilled personnel. This cannula in turn is connected to a fluid filled system which in turn is again connected to an electronic pressure transducer. The advantage in this system is that pressure is constantly monitored. But the disadvantage is that the patients who are subjected to invasive arterial monitoring are required to have a close supervision as there are chances of the line getting disconnected and also bleeding. There are different types of invasive vascular pressure monitors and their use depends on the condition of the patient. In general, usage of invasive vascular pressure monitors is restricted to those patients alone who have high chances of rapid changes in the arterial pressure.