Radial Artery Cannulation

The radial artery is commonly selected because it is superficial, relatively fixed, and has lower distal ischaemia risk than several alternative approaches. Prior studies suggest that more proximal radial artery sites may improve some catheter performance or insertion outcomes, but they did not focus on intraoperative catheter function. Wrist movement near the conventional site can mechanically disturb the catheter and cause catheter or vessel problems. The modified site is intended to avoid the wrist joint's mechanical stress centre while preserving practical access near the distal radial artery. Conventional radial artery cannulation is performed near the wrist joint at maximal pulsation adjacent to the radial styloid process.