Skin Glue Versus Suture for Securing Radial Arterial Lines

Skin Glue Versus Suture for Securing Radial Arterial Lines

Prior investigators have evaluated the use of 2-octyl cyanoacrylate (glue) as a method to secure a variety of venous catheters including central/peripheral lines. There is a paucity of research evaluating the use of glue for arterial catheters. The investigators conducted a pilot study to test the null hypothesis that there would be no difference in failure rates between radial arterial lines (r-a-line) secured with glue vs. suture.

This was a prospective, randomized, controlled, trial for which the investigators enrolled a convenience sample of consenting, non-pregnant, adult patients who received an r-a-line in the ICU or ED at a community-based, teaching hospital. After randomization, lines were secured with either silk 0-0 suture or 2-octyl cyanoacrylate and, then, covered by chlorhexidine gluconate dressing. Patients were followed for duration of line placement and for the occurrence of premature line failure. Categorical data were analyzed by chi-square; continuous data by t-tests.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Be at least 18 years of age
2. Require invasive blood pressure monitoring via radial arterial catheter

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Under 18 years of age
2. Pregnant