A comparative study of radial artery cannulation by USG guidance versus palpation technique in major surgery patients

Abstract

Background: Arterial blood pressure monitoring is a basic vital sign measured in all patients. Arterial catheterization is a frequent and essential procedure for continuous blood pressure monitoring, blood sampling for arterial blood gas analysis, in many clinical settings. The aim of the study is to compare the conventional palpatory technique and ultrasound guided method for radial artery cannulation. Methods: In this study, 100 patients divided into two groups- ultrasound group and conventional palpatory method. Outcomes were assessed based on successful cannulation at first attempt, number of attempts, time taken, complications. Results: This study shows that ultrasound guided radial artery cannulation has advantages like successful cannulation at first attempt, lesser number of attempts required for successful cannulation, and lesser complications compared to the direct palpation technique. Conclusions: This study shows that ultrasound guided technique has definitive advantages over direct palpation technique in terms of efficacy and lesser complications.