Modified Long-Axis In-plane Technique for Radial Artery Cannulation in Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND: Radial artery catheterization is a challenge for anesthetists in the pediatric population. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the modified long-axis in-plane (MLAX-IP) technique increased the success rate of radial artery catheterization in children. METHODS: This study involved 80 children who required arterial catheterization and were randomly divided into the MLAX-IP group and dynamic needle tip positioning (DNTP) group (40 cases in each group). Radial artery catheterization was performed using either the MLAX-IP technique or the DNTP technique. RESULTS: The first-attempt cannulation success rate was higher in the MLAX-IP group than in the DNTP group (95 vs. 80%, P = 0.043). The imaging time of the artery in the MLAX-IP group was longer than in the DNTP group (19.1 ± 3.1 vs. 9.6 ± 2.4 s, P < 0.001). While the total catheterization time was similar between the 2 groups (88.1 ± 23 vs. 86.9 ± 46.1 s, P = 0.475). CONCLUSION: The first-attempt cannulation success rate with the MLAX-IP technique is increased, while the total catheterization time is similar between the 2 groups and puncture-related complications are fewer.