Osler's nodes, pseudoaneurysm formation, and sepsis complicating percutaneous radial artery cannulation

Percutaneous arterial cannulation is useful for hemodynamic monitoring and frequent arterial blood gas determinations in selected intensive care patients. However, this procedure is not without risk. We report a case of localized Osler node formation, distal to a radial artery catheter, associated with sepsis, pseudoaneurysm formation, and thrombosis at the site of catheterization. Complications of this technique require aggressive medical and, in selected cases, surgical intervention.