Optimizing precision in ICU arterial access: the impact of ultrasound-guided dynamic needle tip positioning

Objective This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of ultrasound-guided dynamic needle tip positioning (DNTP) in arterial puncture and catheterization among ICU patients. Methods A cohort of 55 patients in shock, requiring arterial catheterization in the ICU from April 2020 to July 2024, was enrolled and randomly stratified into groups based on distinct ultrasound-guided puncture techniques. Of these, 27 patients who underwent the ultrasound-guided direct entry (UGDE) method were designated as the control group, while 28 patients who received arterial catheterization via the ultrasound-guided DNTP technique were assigned to the observation group. Comparative analyses were conducted on the first-attempt puncture success rate, first-attempt catheterization success rate, puncture duration, and incidence of puncture-related complications between the two groups. Results The first-attempt puncture success rate did not significantly differ between the observation and control groups ( P = 0.98). However, the observation group exhibited a higher first-attempt catheterization success rate ( P = 0.049), an extended puncture duration ( P < 0.001), and a reduced overall incidence of puncture-related complications ( P = 0.049) in comparison to the control group. Conclusion The application of ultrasound-guided DNTP methodology demonstrates statistically significant improvement in arterial catheterization procedural success rates concurrent with a marked reduction in iatrogenic vascular access complications.