Increasing the Success Rate of First-Year Anesthesia Residents Using Ultrasound for Radial Artery Catheterization Compared to the Palpation Method in Adult Surgical Patients

Background: The palpation method is commonly used to perform radial artery catheterization, but it has a high failure rate. We conducted this study to determine the efficacy of early ultrasound training in improving the success rate of first-year anesthesia residents in radial artery catheterization with palpation technique because the use of ultrasound can increase the success rate. Materials and Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 320 patients underwent radial arterial catheterization in the first stage (training) and another 320 patients in the second stage (research) in two groups of residents who were trained by palpation or ultrasound guidance. The primary endpoint was the first-try success rate, and the secondary endpoints were the final success rate, time to achieve first and final success, hematoma incidence, and the number of attempts. Results: The success rate of the first try in the ultrasound group was significantly higher (71.3%) compared to the palpation group (52.5%, P 0.001). The number of attempts, time to success on the first try, and overall succession were all higher in the palpation group (P 0.05). There were no significant differences in overall success rate or hematoma formation (P 0.05). Conclusion: Ultrasound training for first-year anesthesia residents improves the success rate of arterial catheterization via palpation