Distal radial arterial cannulation in adult patients: A retrospective cohort study

Purpose: Safety and feasibility of distal radial artery cannulation at the anatomic snuffbox in the perioperative settings in adult patients have been assessed in this study. Methods: Adult patients undergoing elective surgery requiring arterial cannulation were recruited in this retrospective cohort study. Results: Data of 55 patients have been reviewed here; among which in 21 patients, arterial puncture was performed ultrasound guidance and in 34 patients puncture was guided by the pulsation of the distal radial artery at the anatomical snuffbox. First attempt success rate of distal radial arterial cannulation was 76.3% (42 of 55 patients) and it was similar between ultrasound guided (USG) and palpation technique (P = 0.53, Chi-square test). Overall, cannulation success rate was 87.3% (48 of 55 patients) and it was also similar between USG and palpation technique (P = 0.79, Chi-square test). Conclusion: Distal radial artery cannulation is technically feasible in patients undergoing elective surgery. However, further randomized controlled trials are required to establish its clinical utility and safety profile in comparison to conventional radial artery cannulation.