Index Digit Necrosis as a Complication of Radial Artery Cannulation

Abstract

Arterial access is therapeutically and diagnostically useful. Its clinical utility is vast, and associated complications are infrequent. However, some unfortunate patients progress to disastrous outcomes. Luckily, ischemic hand complications are rare. Hand ischemia threatens independence and quality of life, thus warranting vigilance. We present a case of index digit necrosis as a complication of arterial cannulation in a 30-year-old patient with end-stage renal disease admitted to an intensive care unit.