Radial artery cannulation in 1,000 patients: precautions and complications

A review of 1,000 radial artery cannulations performed over a 2-year period showed that, with careful selection of patients, by means of the Allen test and Doppler studies, and with the apparatus used, only two serious complications were encountered; embolectomy was necessary in one and arterial reconstruction in another. Twenty-four percent of patients had evidence of diminution of flow, but in none did it persist for more than 2 weeks. Critical factors in reducing complications were a short period of cannulation, use of a Teflon catheter, and a continuous arterial line flush system.