Radial artery cannulation: A systemic review

Abstract

The radial artery is the most commonly used arterial access site for monitoring arterial pressure or obtaining blood gas analysis, since it is easy to puncture and to acquire haemostasis. Transradial cannulation failures can be due to failure to puncture the artery, radial artery spasm, hypotension or anatomic variations of radial-brachialaxillary-subclavian artery axis or of the aortic arch. This article reviews the anatomy and anatomic variations of the upper limb vasculature and gives up-to-date information on the anestesiological, surgical and interventional applications of radial artery cannulation and radial artery harvest. © 2012 Ruzsa Z, et al.