Radial artery catheterization by surgical exposure in infants

56 radial arteries were cannulated by cutdown technique in 54 critically ill infants (age (mean +/- SD) 12.2 +/- 25.9 days, weight 2710 +/- 910 g) for continuous pressure monitoring and repeated blood sampling. 30 patients survived their illness, 24 died. The mean catheterization time in the survivors was 8.1 +/- 4.1 in the non-survivors 6.9 +/- 5.6 days. Most cannulae were removed electively. 27 of the surviving infants were followed up after 10.5 +/- 5.1 months. 25 (86%) vessels were patent, 4 (14%) occluded. No trophic changes of hands or fingers were noted. We concluded that radial artery cannulation by cutdown in infants is a quick and safe technique and is suitable in patients with severe peripheral vasoconstriction.