Arterial Dynamics of Radial Artery Cannulation

A Rare Complication of Radial Artery Cannulation

“…Consistent anatomic accessibility, ease of cannulation, and a low rate of complications have made the radial artery the preferred site for arterial cannulation [3]. Radial artery catheterization is a relatively safe procedure with an incidence of permanent ischemic complications of 0.09% [1,2].…”

“…Radial artery catheterization is a relatively safe procedure with an incidence of permanent ischemic complications of 0.09% [1,2]. Although some consider the ulnar artery the larger of the 2 arteries supplying the hand [3,4], its cannulation can be technically challenging because of its more tortuous and deeper course [5]. Cannulation of the radial artery can result in complications ranging from arterial thrombosis, arterial aneurysm, compartment syndrome, infection, nerve injury, and skin necrosis to possible thumb or even hand necrosis if not recognized and treated early [6].…”

Aortography by radial artery injection in infants with anomalies of the aortic arch.

“…Manual injection of 1.0 N 2.0 ml/kg body weight of contrast material was more than adequate to obtain satisfactory aortogram in this group of patients. Serious complication of this procedure is ischemic damage to extremities, and it is prevented by assessing adequate ulnar collateral flow to the entire hand before cannulation (Bedford and Wolman 1973;Downs et al 1973;Ryan et al 1973;Wyatt et al 1974;Bedford 1978). Cerebral embolization is reported by Gann et al (1969).…”

Digital Blood Pressure and Arteriographic Findings Under Selective Compression of the Radial and Ulnar Arteries

“…For this purpose, blood pressure should be measured in the first finger in radial artery cannulation and in the fifth finger in ulnar artery cannulation, because the reduction in digital blood pressure is generally most noticeable in the first finger during radial artery compression and in the fifth finger during ulnar artery compression. In addition, information on radialdominant or ulnar-dominant circulation in each hand may make it possible to know which artery is most fit for these procedures.~ 8 The Allen test is widely applied in routine practice as a diagnostic measure for evaluating the continuity of the radial and ulnar arteries. Determination of blood pressure in all fingers during arterial compression makes it possible to gather more precise quantitative information.…”