A Randomized Trial to Compare Ultrasound-Guided Dorsalis Pedis Versus Posterior Tibial Artery Cannulation in Neurosurgical Patients

Introduction Dorsalis pedis or posterior tibial artery is selected as an alternative to radial artery cannulation when there is no access or unsuccessful cannulation of a radial artery. This study aimed to compare the two major arteries of the foot (dorsalis pedis and posterior tibial) in terms of their ultrasound (USG)-guided cannulation characteristics in patients posted for elective neurosurgical procedures. Methods All consenting patients, 18-65 years of age, scheduled for elective neurosurgical procedures under general anesthesia requiring arterial cannulations were enrolled. The first-pass success rate, assessment time, cannulation time, total procedural time, and the number of cannulation attempts for both procedures were estimated. Results A total of 90 patients were included in the study. The assessment time, cannulation time, and total time for arterial cannulation were significantly greater in the dorsalis pedis artery group than in the posterior tibial artery group (p < 0.001). Successful arterial cannulation in the first attempt was 73.3% in the dorsalis pedis, whereas it was 80% in the posterior tibial group but comparable (p = 0.455). The successful cannulation outcome was slightly more in the posterior tibial artery group but comparable (p = 1.00). Conclusion First-pass successful cannulation rates in the posterior tibial and the dorsalis pedis artery are comparable. However, the assessment time, cannulation time, and total procedural time are higher and statistically significant for dorsalis pedis artery cannulation compared to the posterior tibial artery group.