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Experienced operators have high success rates using ultrasound or Doppler guidance for pediatric radial artery cannulation, however, less is known about the success rates of inexperienced operators. Researchers randomized 104 children undergoing elective surgery and weighing between 3 and 12 kg to radial artery cannulation by anesthesia residents guided by ultrasound or Doppler.
Each of the 12 operators had performed fewer than five prior pediatric radial artery cannulations. Patients with abnormal hand circulation, overlying cellulitis, or recent arterial puncture were excluded.
The study was terminated early due to low patient accrual. Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. First-attempt success rates were higher in the ultra…