Background: Arterial puncture, for obtaining an analysis of blood gas,
is an interventional procedure often performed in emergency departments
and intensive care units. Our goal in this study is to compare the
traditional method and ultrasound (US) guided method in radial artery
puncture for blood gas analysis in septic shock patients. Methods: This
is a prospective, randomized study. Septic shock patients over 18 years
of age who needed a radial artery puncture sample for blood gas analysis
were included in the study. Patients with local infection or trauma at
the puncture site, arteriovenous fistula, vascular graft, coagulopathy,
Allen test positive and those who did not want to participate in the
study were excluded. Patients were randomized into 2 groups: radial
arterial puncture obtained through an US guided technique or radial
arterial puncture by conventional method. The main outcomes are success
at the first entry, the number of attempts and time to success after
enrollment. Results: 50 eligible patients were randomized into two
groups. The success rate of the first puncture in the ultrasound group
and the palpation group was 80% and 42%, respectively. The number of
attempts and time to success significantly increased in conventional
group. Conclusion: The US-guided method has been found to be more
successful in terms of success at the first entry, number of attempts,
time to success compared to the conventional method.
RANDOMIZED STUDY COMPARING STRATEGIES TO COMBAT RADIAL ARTERY SPASM: THE COMBAT SPASM TRIAL
