Complications and sequelae of temporal artery catheterization in the high-risk newborn

One hundred high-risk newborns underwent a total of 115 temporal artery catheterizations using direct arterial exposure. Early catheter-related complications occurred in 10 patients: retrograde thrombosis of the posterior auricular artery (6), small area of skin slough at catheterization site (2), and positive blood cultures. (2). Twenty-five surviving infants were examined 6-10 mo after catheter removal: 5 patients showed scarring of minor cosmetic importance; 20 patients had barely perceptible incisional scars; and 21 patients had a return of pulsatile flow in the catheterized temporal artery.