The Usefulness of Ultrasound Guided Technique Insertion of Radial Artery Catheter in Neonates and Infants

The Usefulness of Ultrasound Guided Technique Insertion of Radial Artery Catheter in Neonates and Infants

The investigators are trying to compare the ultrasound-guided technique vs. palpation method for radial arterial cannulation in infants.

In infants (<12mo), radial arterial catheterization is sometimes difficult to perform. Moreover, repeated attempts itself would cause the arterial spasm or hematoma. The use of ultrasound as an adjunct to radial arterial cannulation has considered to be the best practice in adults and pediatrics. However, its usefulness or superiority for neonates and infants is not known. Therefore, we would compare ultrasound guided radial arterial cannulation with the usual palpation methods in infants undergoing cardiac surgery.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Infants under 12 months age undergoing cardiac surgery with radial arterial cannulation

Exclusion Criteria:

• Sign of a skin infection
• Wound near the puncture site
• abnormal circulation of the hand
• any vascular problem at radial or ulnar artery