Ultrasonographic Evaluation of Arteries of the Hand in Pediatric Patients

Radial artery cannulation is the most commonly used technique for invasive arterial catheterization in pediatric patients. Ultrasound guidance has significantly reduced cannulation success rates and complication risks. The ulnar artery presents an anatomical alternative to the radial artery and has emerged as a potential cannulation site. This study aims to comprehensively evaluate the suitability of the radial or ulnar artery for cannulation in pediatric patients.

Finding of this study objectives are

To obtain a large sample of pediatric patients from different age groups To measure arterial diameters using ultrasound at different angles and with ultrasound and to assess the optimal artery and the angle.

Inclusion criteria

• American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status 1 or 2
• Patients scheduled for elective surgical procedures
• Informed consent must be obtained from both the patient and, if applicable, their parent or guardian.

Exclusion criteria

• Patients over 10 years of age
• Patients with congenital anomalies or syndromic conditions
• Abnormal Allen Test
• Skin Erosion or infection at the cannulation site
• Hematoma at the cannulation site