Effectiveness of a compressive device in controlling hemorrhage following radial artery catheterization

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a compressive device in controlling hemorrhage following radial artery catheterization. METHODS: A prospective randomized trial was conducted on subjects receiving the standard taping method (group S) compared to a compressive device method (group C) after removal of the cannula in radial artery catheterization. Primary outcomes were the success rate of hemostasis and complication rate after cannula removal. Secondary outcomes were the cost of compression and the level of convenience. RESULTS: A total of 250 subjects were enrolled in this study. Hemostasis after removal was successful in 122 of 125 (97.6%) subjects in group S and 116 of 125 (92.8%) subjects in group C (P=0.18). Complication rates in group S and group C were 55.2% (69/125) and 48% (60/125), respectively (P=0.35). The cost of compression for group C (approximately 6,740 Korean won) was approximately two times cheaper than for group S (approximately 14,140 Korean won). The level of convenience was significantly higher in group C than in group S (7.4±2.1 vs. 3.7±1.9, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that hemostasis using a compressive device may be a suitable alternative method to the standard taping method in controlling hemorrhage following radial artery cannulation.