[Comparison of ultrasound-guided and blindly placed radial artery catheterization].

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether ultrasound (US)-guided radial artery catheterization decreases the number of failed attempts.

Methods: A total of 36 patients requiring an arterial catheter were enrolled. Patients were divided into 3 groups: 1) a blind palpation technique group, 2) an US-guided short-axis group, and 3) an US-guided long-axis group. The vascular access was performed by one anesthesiologist. The number of attempts at catheter placement was compared within the groups.

Results: There were no significant differences among the groups in number of attemps (P = 0.268); however, it seems that the deviation of attempts was small in the US groups.

Conclusions: Because the artery and catheter are actually visualized by US, it seems, that US-guided radial artery catheterization is a safe and educational technique.