Less common sites are the superficial temporal or dorsalis pedis arteries. The technique for puncture of the brachial and femoral arterial may result in transfixion of the artery. The sample is then obtained during slow withdrawal of the needle into the artery lumen. For the radial artery the needle should be held at a small angle to the artery so that frequently the needle goes up the lumen of the artery rather than transfixes it. For large arteries a 23 or 25 gauge needle may be used and the artery approached slowly at an angle close to a right angle.
Arterial puncture can lead to arterial complications i.e. thrombosis or embolus.
Peripheral vascular disease in the lower limb is a relative contraindication to femoral artery puncture. Absence of good collateral circulation of the hand through the ulnar artery is a relative contraindication to radial artery puncture. After arterial puncture pressure should be applied to the artery until bleeding stops. This usually takes five minutes. In many clinical situations an artery is cannulated for pressure monitoring.