Local tissue oxygenation following radial artery cannulation

Area of Science:

• Medical Devices
• Anesthesiology
• Critical Care Medicine

Background:

• Radial artery cannulation is a common procedure for invasive monitoring.
• The impact of flushing solutions on local tissue oxygenation is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of radial artery cannulation on local tissue oxygenation and acid-base balance.
• To evaluate the role of chlorbutol in sodium heparin flushing solutions.

Main Methods:

• 20 patients undergoing radial artery cannulation were studied.
• Capillary blood samples from both thumbs were analyzed for PO2, [H+], and PCO2.
• A second study with 20 patients used preservative-free heparin.

Main Results:

• Cannulation with chlorbutol-containing heparin significantly increased capillary PO2 on the cannulated side (p < 0.001).
• No significant differences in [H+] or PCO2 were observed between sides.
• Preservative-free heparin did not result in significant differences in PO2, PCO2, or [H+].

Conclusions:

• Chlorbutol in sodium heparin flushing solutions may improve local tissue oxygenation via vasodilation.
• Sodium heparin with chlorbutol is recommended for flushing solutions in invasive arterial monitoring.