Arterial cannulation is used for continuous measurement of blood pressure or repeat sampling of arterial blood gases.

The artery selected should ideally have a collateral flow: the radial artery at the wrist or the dorsalis pedis artery on the dorsum of the foot are common sites of cannulation.

Large calibre end arteries such as the femoral artery or axillary artery may be used.

The brachial artery should be avoided.