Comparison of Doppler Guided Seldinger Technique Versus Classic Palpatory Seldinger Technique for Radial Artery Cannulation-an Open Label Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Objective: Radial artery cannulation is commonly performed by the conventional palpatory technique. However, in circumstances where the cannulation is difficult, other methods such as Doppler or ultrasound are used to guide the cannulation. Incorporating the Seldinger technique can further improve the successful cannulation. The aim of the study was to compare the first attempt success rate of radial artery cannulation between conventional palpatory Seldinger technique and Doppler guided Seldinger technique. Methods: Ninety patients undergoing major open abdominal surgeries were divided into two groups -the Classic palpatory and the Doppler guided radial artery cannulation. The Seldinger Technique was used in both the groups. First attempt success rate of radial artery cannulation and time to cannulation were noted by both the techniques. Results: The number of attempts and the time to cannulation were significantly less in the palpatory Seldinger group as compared with the Doppler Seldinger group. Complication rates were similar in both the groups but there were 4 failure in palpatory Seldinger group. Conclusion: The classic palpatory technique along with the Seldinger technique for radial artery cannulation is better in terms of first attempt cannulation rate and duration of cannulation than the Doppler guided Seldinger technique in patients undergoing elective surgeries. However, Doppler method had no failures and can be a useful rescue method in failed cannulation.