'If you don't take a temperature, you can't find a fever': relevance to continuous arterial pressure monitoring

Intraoperative hypotension is common and is associated with adverse postoperative outcomes. A substantial fraction of all perioperative hypotension occurs shortly after induction of anaesthesia and before the procedure begins. Arterial pressure monitoring is usually intermittent in this period, with a risk of missing significant hypotensive events. Continuous blood pressure monitoring might help reduce hypotension. There are now strong arguments that if an arterial line is indicated, it should be placed before induction of anaesthesia to obtain maximal benefit.

Automated summary

Intraoperative hypotension is common and has negative impact on postoperative outcomes. Continuous blood pressure monitoring is recommended during the period between induction of anesthesia and the start of the procedure. There is strong evidence supporting the placement of arterial lines before anesthesia induction to maximize benefits.