A Sound Approach to Radial Artery Cannulation: A Comparison between the Conventional Palpatory Method and Ultrasound-Guided Technique

Objectives: This study was undertaken to compare ultrasound guided and palpatory method of radial artery catheterization (or cannulation) in terms of time taken for catheterisation, number of attempts, frequency of successful catheterization in the first attempt and incidence rates of complications like haematoma formation, vasospasm, etc after the procedure. Material and Methods: The study was conducted among patients (n=80) requiring arterial line in operation theatre and ICU of a tertiary care centre in India. After simple randomisation (drawing lots), 40 patients were categorised into Group A (ultrasound guided method) and 40 were categorised to Group B (digital palpatory method). Both groups were compared in terms of time for cannulation, number of attempts, incidences of complications. Results: Mean time taken for radial artery cannulation in Group A (55.82±17.423 sec) was found to be significantly lesser than that of Group B (86.71±30.10sec). Frequency of successful cannulation in the first attempt was also found to be higher in Group A (90%, n=36) than Group B (45%, n=18). Incidences of haematoma was equal in number (10%, n=4) in both groups, whereas incidences of vasospasm was found to be higher in Group B (12.5%, n=5) when compared to Group A (0%, n=0). Conclusion: Therefore, ultrasound is superior method for radial artery cannulation in terms of lesser time for cannulation, less number of attempts (and redirection) and lesser number of complications.