Optimal insertion site for ultrasound-guided radial artery catheterization utilizing the dynamic needle tip positioning technique: A prospective randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND: The dynamic needle tip positioning technique represents an advanced version of the short-axis out-of-plane ultrasound-guided approach employed for radial artery catheterization. The study aimed to explore the most effective insertion site capable of expeditiously and accurately executing the procedure in a clinical setting.

METHODS: A prospective randomized controlled study encompassed 246 elective surgery patients necessitating invasive arterial monitoring. Participants were randomly assigned to three distinct groups: Site 1 (targeting the radial styloid process), Site 2 (midway between Sites 1 and 3), and Site 3 (distal one-third of the forearm). The dynamic needle tip positioning technique was implemented across all groups. Crucial parameters, such as first-attempt success rate, time to success, overall success rate, total catheterization time, number of attempts, and complications, were meticulously documented and compared.

RESULTS: The Site 2 cohort presented a significantly heightened first-attempt success rate compared to Site 1 (97.5% vs 80%, p  = 0.003) and Site 3 (97.5% vs 81.25%, p  = 0.006). Moreover, Site 2 displayed a reduced time to success in contrast to Site 1 (31.5 vs 38, p  = 0.003) and Site 3 (31.5 vs 40, p  = 0.006). Total catheterization time was significantly shorter in Site 2 compared to Site 1 (32 vs 42.5, p  < 0.001) and Site 3 (32 vs 43.5, p  < 0.001). Site 2 necessitated fewer attempts than Site 1 ( p  = 0.02) and Site 3 ( p  = 0.03). Male gender and puncture at Site 2 were associated with expedited time to success. Adverse events manifested more frequently in the Site 3 group compared to the Site 1 group (15% vs 3.75%, p  = 0.03) and the Site 2 group (15% vs 2.5%, p  = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS: The optimal insertion site for ultrasound-guided radial artery catheterization utilizing the dynamic needle tip positioning technique in adult patients is situated midway between the radial styloid process and the distal one-third of the forearm.