Modified Long-Axis In-Plane Ultrasound Technique Versus Conventional Palpation Technique For Radial Arterial Cannulation: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: A low first-pass success rate of radial artery cannulation was obtained when using the conventional palpation technique(C-PT) or ultrasound-guided techniques, we therefore evaluate the effect of a modified long-axis in-plane ultrasound technique (M-LAINUT) in guiding radial artery cannulation in adults. Methods：We conducted a prospective, randomized and controlled clinical trial of 288 patients undergoing radial artery cannulation. Patients were randomized 1:1 to M-LAINUT or C-PT group at fujian medical university union hospital between 2017 and 2018. Radial artery cannulation was performed by three anesthesiologists with different experience. The outcome was the first and total radial artery cannulation success rates, the number of attempts and the cannulation time. Results: 285 patients were statistically analyzed. The success rate of first attempt was 91.6% in the M-LAINUT group (n=143) and 57.7% in the C-PT group (n=142; P<0.001) (odds ratio, 7.9; 95% confidence interval, 4.0-15.7). The total success rate (≤5 min and ≤3 attempts) in the M-LAINUT group was 97.9%, compared to 84.5% in the palpation group (p <0.001) (odds ratio, 8.5; 95% confidence interval, 2.5-29.2). The total cannulation time was shorter and the number of attempts was fewer in the M-LAINUT group than that in the C-PT group (p <0. 05). Conclusion: Modified long-axis in-plane ultrasound-guided radial artery cannulation can increase the first and total radial artery cannulation success rates, reduce the number of attempts and shorten the total cannulation time in adults.