Ultrasound-guided radial artery cannulation in intensive care unit: Case series

Abstract

Intra-arterial catheterization is used for continuous pressure monitoring and blood gas analysis in intensive care units. Especially it is used routinely in patients that take inotropic agents. Radial artery is frequently preferred because of adequate collateral circulation and easy cannulation. During this procedure, risks of complication and failure are high. Catheterization may lead to complications such as peripheral neuropathy and cerebral embolization which can increase morbidity and mortality. Ultrasonography [USG]-guided arterial cannulation can prevent potential complications with an increased success. In this report, we aimed to present the USG-guided catheterization of radial artery in intensive care patients.