Background: Cannulation of the radial artery in infants and small children can be challenging, even for the most experienced providers. Utilizing Doppler to aid in radial artery cannulation has been well described. Recent studies have demonstrated the efficacy of ultrasound (US) image-guided vascular access techniques in the paediatric population. The utility of these two techniques, when used by non-expert personnel, has not been studied.
Methods: This is a randomized prospective study to compare the utility of two different radial arterial cannulation techniques in paediatric patients weighing <12 kg: US-guided technique (US group) vs Doppler-assisted technique (Doppler group) when used by trainees with limited experience. The primary objective was to compare the first-attempt success rate between each group. As a secondary objective, success rate within 10 min was compared.
Results: The trial was prematurely terminated after 50% of paediatric patients (n=104) were included in the study and 52 of each were randomized to the US or Doppler group. A total of 12 anaesthesia trainees performed radial arterial cannulations. The first-attempt success rate was greater in the US group compared with the Doppler group [17/52 (33%) vs 8/52 (15%), P=0.039, odds ratio (OR): 2.67, confidence interval (CI): 1.03-6.91]. The overall success rate within 10 min was 34/52 (65%) in the US group and 24/52 (46%) in the Doppler group (P=0.048, OR: 2.20, CI: 1.00-4.85).
Conclusions: US-guided radial arterial cannulation in infants and small children provided a greater chance for success at the first attempt compared with the Doppler-assisted technique.