Complications Related to Radial Artery Occlusion, Radial Artery Harvest, and Arterial Lines

Effect of absent bilateral radial arteries on the accuracy of continuous real-time noninvasive blood pressure monitoring with the Nexfin™ system

“…Longer term, however, there can be markedly reduced perfusion due to atherosclerotic changes and intimal thickening. 5 Our case showed a significant and sustained discrepancy in BP readings between the traditional BP monitor and Nexfin, suggesting that Nexfin is likely not a reliable assessment of BP in patients with limited or absent radial perfusion. These findings are consistent with previous discrepancies in Nexfin readings found in patients with poor hand perfusion of various etiologies.…”

Hand ischaemia after radial artery cannulation

“…Medical options are likely best for patients with multiple medical comorbidities. In suitable cases, embolectomy, surgical bypass or cervical sympathetic blockage should be considered; however, surgical intervention incidence and outcomes for complications of radial arterial lines are low 11. Catastrophic complications after radial arterial cannulation, especially clinical hand ischaemia, are rare.…”

Upper Extremity Complications and Concerns in Patients With Cardiac Disease

“…10 More commonly, radial artery cannulation is used to monitor hemodynamic changes and obtain arterial blood gases in the operating room and acute care setting. The most frequently reported complication from this is asymptomatic acute radial artery occlusion (2% to 18% incidence) often caused by compression for hemostasis, repeat entry, or arterial wall injury.…”

“…The most frequently reported complication from this is asymptomatic acute radial artery occlusion (2% to 18% incidence) often caused by compression for hemostasis, repeat entry, or arterial wall injury. 10 Rarely, radial artery occlusion can result in distal ischemia, especially in patients with abnormal Allen tests or vasospastic disease. For this reason, performing an Allen test before radial artery cannulation can be helpful to identify patients at risk for this complication.…”