Magnetic needle-tracking device for ultrasound guidance of radial artery puncture: A randomized study on a simulation model

Abstract

Introduction: Ultrasound-guidance of radial artery catheter insertion improves the first attempt success and reduces the occurrence of hematomas. Needle-tracking devices optimize needle-ultrasound beam alignment by displaying in real-time the needle tip position. We compared the median time need by experienced physicians to achieve radial artery puncture using either a conventional ultrasonography device (CUD) or a magnetic needle-tracking ultrasound device (MUD) in a simulation training arm model. Methods: Fifty experienced residents and physicians performed two punctures in randomized order with the CUD and the MUD. The primary outcome was puncture duration; the secondary outcomes were puncture success, rate of accidental vein puncture, and practitioner's comfort (subjective scale 0-10). Results: The median [lower-upper quartile] puncture time was 10 [6-14] seconds when using CUD and 4 [3-7] seconds when using MUD (P