Comparison of ultrasound-guided and blindly placed radial artery catheterization
Edanaga, M.; Mimura, M.; Azumaguchi, T.; Kimura, M.; Yamakage, M.
Masui. Japanese Journal of Anesthesiology 61(2): 221-224
2012
ISSN/ISBN: 0021-4892 PMID: 22413453 Document Number: 657383
The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether ultrasound (US)-guided radial artery catheterization decreases the number of failed attempts. A total of 36 patients requiring an arterial catheter were enrolled. Patients were divided into 3 groups: 1) a blind palpation technique group, 2) an US-guided short-axis group, and 3) an US-guided long-axis group. The vascular access was performed by one anesthesiologist. The number of attempts at catheter placement was compared within the groups. There were no significant differences among the groups in number of attemps (P = 0.268); however, it seems that the deviation of attempts was small in the US groups. Because the artery and catheter are actually visualized by US, it seems, that US-guided radial artery catheterization is a safe and educational technique.