Major Short-term Complications of Arterial Cannulation for Monitoring in Children

Risk factors for arterial catheter failure and complications during critical care hospitalisation: a secondary analysis of a multisite, randomised trial

OBJECTIVES

Arterial catheters (ACs) are critical for haemodynamic monitoring and blood sampling but are prone to complications. We investigated the incidence and risk factors of AC failure.

METHODS

Secondary analysis of a multi-centre randomised controlled trial (ACTRN 12610000505000). Analysis included a subset of adult intensive care unit patients with an AC. The primary outcome was all-cause device failure. Secondary outcomes were catheter associated bloodstream infection (CABSI), suspected CABSI, occlusion, thrombosis, accidental removal, pain, and line fracture. Risk factors associated with AC failure were investigated using Cox proportional hazards and competing-risk models.

RESULTS

Of 664 patients, 173 (26%) experienced AC failure (incidence rate [IR] 37/1000 catheter days). Suspected CABSI was the most common failure type (11%; IR 15.3/1000 catheter days), followed by occlusion (8%; IR 11.9/1,000 catheter days), and accidental removal (4%; IR 5.5/1000 catheter days). CABSI occurred in 16 (2%) patients. All-cause failure and occlusion were reduced with ultrasound-assisted insertion (failure: adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 0.43, 95% CI 0.25, 0.76; occlusion: sub-HR 0.11, 95% CI 0.03, 0.43). Increased age was associated with less AC failure (60-74 years HR 0.63, 95% CI 0.44 to 0.89; 75 + years HR 0.36, 95% CI 0.20, 0.64; referent 15-59 years). Females experienced more occlusion (adjusted sub-HR 2.53, 95% CI 1.49, 4.29), while patients with diabetes had less (SHR 0.15, 95% CI 0.04, 0.63). Suspected CABSI was associated with an abnormal insertion site appearance (SHR 2.71, 95% CI 1.48, 4.99).

CONCLUSIONS

AC failure is common with ultrasound-guided insertion associated with lower failure rates. Trial registration Australian New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry (ACTRN 12610000505000); date registered: 18 June 2010.

Comparative Evaluation of Three Different Techniques of Radial Artery Cannulation: A Prospective Randomised Study

OBJECTIVE

We planned this study to compare three approaches to arterial cannulation, i.e., catheter over the needle, catheter over the guidewire, and ultrasound-guided cannulation, in terms of overall success rate, first pass success rate, time for cannulation and incidence of complications.

METHODS

After obtaining informed written consent from the patient, they were randomized into three groups, based on chits in the box technique, to undergo radial artery cannulation as follows: group N (using catheter over needle technique), group W (using catheter over guidewire technique), group U (radial artery cannulations under ultrasound guidance). We calculated a sample size of 50 patients in each group based on the primary endpoint of the overall success rate. The data was analyzed using one-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey's test.

RESULTS

There was a non-statistically significant trend towards a higher overall success rate in groups W and U compared to group N (47 and 46, respectively, compared to 43, p-value 0.35). Similarly, no significant differences were observed concerning any of the characteristics of radial artery cannulation, except the first pass success rate, where the success rate was highest in group W (33, 70.21%), followed by group U (34, 68%) with a p-value of 0.04.

CONCLUSION

Though catheter over guidewire and ultrasound-based techniques offer advantages in terms of higher first-pass success rate, they do not significantly increase the overall success rate or reduce the total incidence of complications.

Patient and Technical Factors Associated with Difficult Arterial Access and Ultrasound Use in the Operating Room

Arterial catheterization enables continuous hemodynamic monitoring but has been shown to cause severe complications, especially when multiple attempts are required. The aim of this study was to explore what factors were associated with multiple attempts and ultrasound use in the operating room. We performed a retrospective analysis of patients who had arterial catheters inserted at a tertiary care children's hospital from January 2018 to March 2022, identifying clinical factors that were associated with both outcomes. A total of 3946 successful arterial catheter insertions were included. Multivariable analysis showed multiple attempts were associated with noncardiac surgery: pediatric (OR: 1.79, 95% CI: 1.30-2.51), neurologic (OR: 2.63, 95% CI: 1.89-3.57), orthopedic (OR: 3.23, 95% CI: 2.27-4.55), and non-radial artery placement (OR: 5.00, 95% CI: 3.33-7.14) (all p < 0.001). Multivariable analysis showed ultrasound use was associated with neonates (OR: 9.6, 95% CI: 4.1-22.5), infants (OR: 6.98, 95% CI: 4.67-10.42), toddlers (OR: 6.10, 95% CI: 3.8-9.8), and children (OR: 2.0, 95% CI: 1.7-2.5) compared to teenagers, with cardiac surgery being relative to other specialties-pediatric (OR: 0.48, 95% CI: 0.3-0.7), neurologic (OR: 0.27, 95% CI: 0.18-0.40), and orthopedic (OR: 0.38, 95% CI: 0.25-0.58) (all p < 0.001). In our exploratory analysis, increased odds of first-attempt arterial catheter insertion success were associated with cardiac surgery, palpation technique, and radial artery placement. Younger patient age category, ASA III and IV status, cardiac surgery, and anesthesiologist placement were associated with increased odds of ultrasound use.

Effect of side guide marks of ultrasound transducer on the success rate of ultrasound transducer-guided radial artery puncture: A randomized trial

BACKGROUND

Compared with blind technique, ultrasound (US) transducer-guided technique for radial artery puncture can improve the success rate. However, difficulty in handling US transducer-guided technology is a key limitation to its wider use. The aim of the study was to explore the effect of guide marks on the side of US transducer on the success rate of US transducer-guided radial artery puncture.

METHODS

In this parallel-group trial, 127 patients undergoing elective liver cancer resection and splenectomy under general anesthesia were randomly allocated to the traditional group or the Intervention group. The traditional group used the conventional US transducer-guided radial artery puncture technology, while the Intervention group used the US transducer-guided radial artery puncture technology with the guide marks on the side of the US transducer probe. The primary observation index was success rate of radial artery cannulation at the first attempt; the secondary observation indices were failure rate of cannulation, location time, and total time for successful cannulation.

RESULTS

The successful rate of cannulation in the Intervention group (59 out of 63, 93.6%) was greater than that in the traditional group (50 out of 64, 78.1%, p = 0.01). The posterior wall puncture rate in the Intervention group was lower than that in the traditional group (11.1% vs 32.8%, p = 0.005). The location time in the Intervention group was longer than that in the traditional group (20.1 ± 3.8 vs 16.6 ± 4.0 s, p < .001), while the total cannulation time was significantly shorter (20.7 ± 4.3 vs 32.4 ± 7.4 s, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Using guide marks on the side of US transducer can help improve success rate of US transducer-guided radial artery puncture at the first attempt and reduce the risk of puncture-related complications.

Acute superficial and deep necrosis of lower limb following femoral arterial cannulation in a neonate undergoing arterial switch operation for transposition of great arteries

Arterial lines are routinely used for hemodynamic monitoring and blood sampling in the operating room and in cardiac surgery intensive care unit. The complications related to arterial line insertion are very low; the knowledge of the relevant artery anatomy, skills and the experience of the operator and selection of a right size cannula plays a vital role in reducing morbidity related to arterial line insertion. We describe extensive superficial and deep necrosis of lower limb following arterial cannula insertion in a preterm neonate undergoing arterial switch procedure and discuss measures to prevent such a complication.

Long-axis in-plane combined with short-axis out-of-plane technique in ultrasound-guided arterial catheterization in infants: A randomized controlled trial

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To determine whether the long-axis in-plane (LAX-IP) combined with short-axis out-of-plane (SAX-OOP) technique is more suitable than modified dynamic needle tip positioning (MDNTP) technique for ultrasound-guided radial artery catheterization in infants.

DESIGN

A randomized controlled trial.

SETTING

Department of Anesthesiology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University.

PATIENTS

Overall, 72 patients, aged 1-12 months old, who were primarily undergoing thoracic or cardiac surgery in the Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University between July 1, 2021, and March 31, 2022, were selected. These patients were randomly divided into two groups: i) the MDNTP group and ii) the LAX-IP combined with SAX-OOP group.

INTERVENTIONS

Radial artery cannulation in the two groups was performed using ultrasound-guided MDNTP or LAX-IP combined with SAX-OOP technique.

MEASUREMENTS

The primary outcome was first-time success rate, and the secondary outcomes included total success rate, cannulation time, and incidence of complications.

MAIN RESULTS

In the LAX-IP combined with SAX-OOP group, the first-time success rate was 75.0% (n = 27), total success rate was 97.2% (n = 35), cannulation time was 91.39 ± 102.60 s, puncture attempts was 1.5 ± 1.3 times, and local hematoma was formed on the first day in one (2.8%) infant. In the MDNTP group, the first-time success rate was 36.1% (n = 13) (P = 0.001; RR, 2.08; 95% confidence interval, 1.29-3.34), total success rate was 91.7% (n = 33) (P = 0.303; RR, 1.06; 95% confidence interval, 0.95-1.19), cannulation time was 181.00 ± 146.72 s(P = 0.047; Median difference,-89.61; 95% confidence interval, -149.12 to -30.10), puncture attempts was 2.3 ± 1.6 times (P = 0.133; Median difference,-0.81), and local hematoma was formed on the first day in nine (25%) infants (P = 0.006; RR, 0.11; 95% confidence interval, 0.01-0.83). No thrombosis occurred in any group.

CONCLUSIONS

The ultrasound-guided LAX-IP combined with SAX-OOP technique for radial arterial catheterization in infants, which was performed by anesthesia residents, exhibited an increased first-time success rate, reduced cannulation time, and lower incidence of complications than the MDNTP technique.

Comparison between the long-axis in-plane and short-axis out-of-plane approaches for ultrasound-guided arterial cannulation: a meta-analysis and systematic review

BACKGROUND

The two most common methods for ultrasound-guided arterial cannulation are the long-axis in-plane (LA-IP) and short-axis out-of-plane (SA-OOP) approaches. However, it is uncertain which method is more advantageous. We conducted a meta-analysis of reported randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comparing the two techniques in terms of success rate, cannulation time, and complications.

METHODS

We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library database for RCTs comparing the LA-IP and SA-OOP techniques for ultrasound-guided arterial cannulation published from inception through April 31, 2022. The Cochrane Collaboration's Risk of Bias Tool was used to evaluate the methodological quality of each RCT. Review Manager 5.4 and Stata/SE 17.0 were used to analyze the two primary outcome measures (first-attempt success rate and total success rate) and two secondary outcome measures (cannulation time and complications).

RESULTS

A total of 13 RCTs with 1,377 patients were included. There were no significant differences in first-attempt success rate (risk ratio [RR], 0.93; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.78-1.12; P = 0.45; I² = 84%) and overall success rate (RR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.95-1.02; P = 0.48; I² = 57%). When compared with the LA-IP technique, the SA-OOP technique was associated with an increased incidence of posterior wall puncture (RR, 3.01; 95% CI, 1.27-7.14; P = 0.01; I² = 79%) and hematoma (RR, 2.15; 95% CI, 1.05-4.37; P = 0.04; I² = 63%). There was no significant difference in the incidence of vasospasm between techniques (RR, 1.26; 95% CI, 0.37-4.23; P = 0.07; I² = 53%).

CONCLUSIONS

The present results suggest that the SA-OOP technique is associated with a higher incidence of posterior wall puncture and hematoma than the LA-IP technique, whereas success rates are similar for the two ultrasound-guided arterial cannulation techniques. These findings should be experimentally evaluated in a more rigorous manner due to high inter-RCT heterogeneity.

Epidemiological Analysis of the Emergency Vascular Access in Pediatric Trauma Patients: Single-Center Experience of Intravenous, Intraosseous, Central Venous, and Arterial Line Placements

Vascular access in severely injured pediatric trauma patients is associated with time-critical circumstances and low incidences, whereas only scarce literature on procedure performance is available. The purpose of this study was to analyze the performance of different vascular access procedures from the first contact at the scene until three hours after admission. Intubated pediatric trauma patients admitted from the scene to a single Level I trauma center between 2008 and 2019 were analyzed regarding intravenous (IV) and intraosseous (IO) accesses, central venous catheterization (CVC) and arterial line placement. Sixty-five children with a median age of 14 years and median injury severity score of 29 points were included, of which 62 (96.6%) underwent successful prehospital IV or IO access by emergency medical service (EMS) physicians, while it failed in two children (3.1%). On emergency department (ED) admission, IV cannulas of prehospital EMS had malfunctions or were dislodged in seven of 55 children (12.7%). IO access was performed in 17 children without complications, and was associated with younger age, higher injury severity and higher mortality. Fifty-two CVC placements (58 attempts) and 55 arterial line placements (59 attempts) were performed in 45 and 52 children, respectively. All CVC and arterial line placements were performed in the ED, operating room (OR) and intensive care unit (ICU). Ten mechanical complications related to CVC placement (17.8%) and seven related to arterial line placement (10.2%) were observed, none of which had outcome-relevant consequences. This case series suggests that mechanical issues of vascular access may frequently occur, underlining the need for special preparedness in prehospital, ED, ICU and OR environments.

Arterial line insertion

Arterial line insertion is a common ED procedure with considerable clinician variation in preferred technique and equipment. This article aims to review some of the controversies and evidence surrounding this common ED procedure.

Outcomes of Femoral Arterial Catheterisation in Neonates: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background: To review the outcome of all femoral arterial catheter (FAC) insertions in a single, large neonatal unit over a 12 year period, we will describe the incidence of harms arising from FAC insertion and to identify risk factors associated with ischaemic injury. Methods: Retrospective survey of data relating to all episodes of FAC insertion in a single neonatal intensive care unit over a 12 year period up to 2020. Results: 146 FACs were inserted into 139 babies with a median (interquartile range) gestation and birth weight of 27 (24 to 37) weeks and 1092 (682 to 2870) g. Impaired limb perfusion occurred in 32 (22%). This was transient and recovered with no injury in 26 of the 32. There was an increased risk of impaired limb perfusion in babies with lower weight at the time of insertion; from 5.7% in babies over 3000 g to 34.7% in babies under 1000 g (relative risk 6.1 (1.5 to 24.6)). Six babies (4%) had ischaemic injury. Risk factors for ischaemic injury included weight below 1000 g (four cases), pre-existing partial arterial obstruction (two cases), concerns about limb perfusion prior to FAC insertion (two cases) and a delay in removing the FAC after recognition of the poor perfusion (five cases). Two clinicians inserted 71 (50%) FACs and had no associated injuries. Conclusions: FAC can be used in neonates, although there is a risk of ischaemic injury, particularly in very small babies. Our data can be used to inform decisions about patient selection for this procedure.

Analysis of the radial and ulnar arteries using ultrasound and a vascular visualization device in children

BACKGROUND

Radial artery is the preferred site for cannulation. Recently, the ulnar artery was chosen as an alternative in adults.

AIMS

We aimed to measure the diameter and depth of the ulnar and radial arteries using ultrasound, and our secondary purpose was to evaluate their anatomical position using a near-infrared transcutaneous illumination device.

METHODS

Forty-eight children (age range: 0-144 months) were assigned to the following groups: group Infant (aged <12 months), group Preschool (aged ≤12 to <72 months), and group School (aged ≥72 months). The diameter, depth, and position of the ulnar and radial arteries were compared between groups.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference between the diameters of the ulnar and radial arteries. In group Infant, group Preschool, and group School, mean diameters of the ulnar artery were 1.27 ± 0.15 mm, 1.62 ± 0.27 mm, and 2.03 ± 0.28 mm, respectively, and the radial artery were 1.29 ± 0.15 mm, 1.69 ± 0.27 mm, and 2.06 ± 0.29 mm, respectively. The corresponding differences between the diameters of ulnar and radial arteries were -0.02 mm, -0.07 mm, and -0.02 mm [95% CI -0.16 mm to 0.12 mm, -0.25 mm to 0.11 mm, and -0.25 mm to 0.21 mm; p = .776, p = .411, and p = .852]. In groups Preschool and School, the ulnar artery was at the recommended depth of 2-4 mm for arterial cannulation compared with the radial artery. In the Infant, Preschool, and School age groups, the ulnar and radial arteries were at the recommended depth of 2-4 mm for arterial cannulation in 70.0%, 100.0%, 93.8%, and 80.0%, 65.0%, and 50.0% of the cases, respectively. (difference: -10.0%, 35.0%, and 43.8%, 95%; CI -43.4% to 23.4%, 14.1% to 55.9%, and 19.4% to 68.1%, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The ulnar artery can be considered a promising alternative to the radial artery for facilitating arterial cannulation in children.

Distal radial artery as an alternative approach to forearm radial artery for perioperative blood pressure monitoring: a randomized, controlled, noninferiority trial

BACKGROUND

The novel distal radial artery (dRA) approach is a popular arterial access route for interventional cardiology and neurointerventions. We explored the dRA as an alternative site to the classic forearm radial artery (RA) for perioperative blood pressure monitoring. We hypothesized that dRA catheterization is noninferior to RA for the first attempt success rate.

METHODS

This was a single-center, prospective, randomized controlled, noninferiority study. Adult patients who underwent elective surgery at the Jinling Hospital from May 2021 to August 2021 were enrolled. The primary endpoint was to test the noninferiority of the first attempt success rate between the groups. Secondary endpoints included anatomical characteristics, catheterization time, arterial posterior wall puncture rate, postoperative compression time, dampened arterial pressure waveforms, and complications.

RESULTS

Totally, 161 patients who received either dRA (n = 81) or RA (n = 80) catheterization were analyzed. The first attempt success rates were 87.7 and 91.3% in the dRA and RA groups, respectively, with a mean difference of - 3.6% (95% CI, - 13.1 to 5.9%). The dRA diameter and cross-sectional area were significantly smaller than those of the RA (P < 0.001). The subcutaneous depth of dRA was significantly greater than that of the RA (P < 0.001). The dRA had a longer catheterization time (P = 0.008) but a shorter postoperative compression time (P < 0.001). The arterial posterior wall puncture rate of dRA was significantly higher than that of the RA (P = 0.006). The dRA had fewer dampened arterial waveforms than RA (P = 0.030) perioperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

The dRA is a rational alternative approach to RA for perioperative arterial pressure monitoring and provides a noninferior first attempt success rate.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This study is registered in the Chinese Clinical Trials Registry (registration number: ChiCTR2100043714 , registration date: 27/02/2021).

Modified Long-Axis In-Plane Ultrasound-guided Radial Artery Cannulation In Adult Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

INTRODUCTION

For adults with small radial arteries, ultrasound-guided radial artery cannulation remains challenging and the relevant data is currently lacking. The study aimed to test the hypothesis that modified long-axis in-plane ultrasound guidance (M-LAIP) would improve success rates of radial artery cannulation in this population.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This was a prospective, randomised, and controlled clinical study that enrolled 201 adult patients with diameters of the radial artery less than 2.2 mm. Patients were randomised to M-LAIP, short-axis out-of-plane (SAOP), or conventional palpation (C-P) group according to different approaches of radial artery cannulation (M-LAIP, SAOP, and C-P). Outcome measurements included the success rate, cannulation time, and cannulation-related adverse events.

RESULTS

The cannulation success rate was significantly higher in the M-LAIP group than in the SAOP or C-P groups (first success rate: 80.3% vs. 53.8% or 33.8%; P < 0.001; total success rate: 93.9% vs. 78.5% or 50.8%; P < 0.001). Total cannulation time in the M-LAIP group was shorter than that in the SAOP group (P =  0.002) or the C-P group (P < 0.001). The rates of posterior wall puncture and haematoma in the M-LAIP group were lower than that in the SAOP group or C-P group (P <  0.008).

CONCLUSION

The use of the M-LAIP approach significantly improved the success rate of radial artery cannulation, shortened procedure time, and lowered the rates of posterior wall puncture and haematoma in adults with radial artery diameters less than 2.2 mm, compared with that achieved by the SAOP or C-P approach.

Iatrogenic vascular trauma and complications of vascular access in children

Vascular access is frequently a critical component of the diagnostic and therapeutic procedures required to manage childhood illnesses, including many emergent conditions and critical illnesses. Vascular access in the pediatric population presents unique challenges, and many clinical and technical factors must be considered to avoid complications that can occur with vascular access procedures. This article reviews various aspects of vascular access and associated iatrogenic trauma in children, including risk factors, management of complications, and preventive measures to avoid complications. It is only with a comprehensive understanding of the topic that vascular access in children can be performed safely, effectively, and efficiently.

The ulnar artery: A site suitable for arterial cannulation in pediatric patients

BACKGROUND

Historically, the ulnar artery has rarely been considered for arterial cannulation as it is less easily palpated than the radial artery. With the current routine use of ultrasound in pediatric patients, the ulnar is as accessible as the radial and could be viewed as an equivalent site for cannulation.

AIMS

The purpose of this study was to compare ulnar and radial artery suitability for arterial cannulation in pediatric patients using 2-dimensional ultrasound.

METHODS

We examined the ulnar and radial arteries of pediatric patients aged birth to 6 years who were scheduled to undergo general anesthesia. Following anesthesia induction, the investigators positioned the patient's wrist to 30-45 degrees of extension and obtained images of the ulnar and radial arteries in the transverse and longitudinal planes. Assessments of the arteries' anterior-posterior diameter, cross-sectional area and depth were made by visual inspection at the time of image acquisition and by electronic caliper measurement of recorded images.

RESULTS

In 108 patients, mean anterior-posterior diameter of the ulnar artery was larger than the radial artery in the transverse view, longitudinal view, and cross-sectional area in 63.6%, 59.4%, and 60.4% of patients (p = .002, .004, and .006, respectively). Mean ulnar artery size was, on average, larger than the radial artery by 7.7%, 8.1%, and 12.9% in the transverse AP diameter, longitudinal AP diameter, and cross-sectional area (95% CI 3.1-12.4%; 3.2-13.0%; 4.4-21.5%). The investigator's visual evaluation of vessel size at the bedside showed substantial agreement with the measured cross-sectional area (linear-weighted kappa of 0.73). In a subset of 13 patients age <24 months, the mean depth of the ulnar artery was 2.13 mm compared to 1.65 mm for the radial artery (difference -0.48 mm 95% CI 1.08-0.12).

CONCLUSIONS

The ulnar artery was larger than the radial artery in 60% of pediatric patients thus may offer an arterial cannulation site advantage due to its larger size. The use of 2-dimensional ultrasound examination allows accurate assessment of upper extremity distal arteries in order to optimize site selection for arterial cannulation in pediatric patients.

End-tidal carbon dioxide measurements as a surrogate to arterial carbon dioxide during pediatric laparoscopic surgeries: a prospective observational cohort study

BACKGROUND

Maintaining normocapnia during mechanical ventilation in anesthetized children during laparoscopic surgeries is highly recommended. There is a debate regarding the use of capnography (ETCO2) as a trend monitor for evaluation of arterial carbon dioxide levels (PaCO2). We analyzed the relationship between ETCO2 and PaCO2 with time in elective pediatric laparoscopic surgeries.

METHODS

This study was a prospective observational cohort analysis of 116 paired comparisons between PaCO2 and ETCO2 computed from 29 children (ASA I, 12-72 months). Arterial blood samples were withdrawn before, at 15 minutes and 30 minutes during pneumoperitoneum and 1 minute after deflation. ETCO2 value was recorded simultaneously, while arterial blood was withdrawn. PaCO2-ETCO2 relationship was evaluated by Pearson's correlation coefficients and Bland Altman Method of agreement.

RESULTS

Out of the 116 comparisons analyzed, a PaCO2-ETCO2 difference beyond 0 to ≤ 5 mmHg was recorded in 71 comparisons (61.2%) with negative difference in 34 comparisons (29.3%). A positive significant correlation between PaCO2 and ETCO2 was recorded before (r = 0.617, p = 0.000) and at 15 minutes (r = 0.582, p = 0.001), with no significant correlation at 30 minutes (r = 0.142, p = 0.461), either after deflation (r = 0.108, p = 0.577). Bland-Altman plots showed agreement between ETCO2 and PaCO2 before inflation with mean PaCO2-ETCO2 difference 0.14 ± 5.6 mmHg (limits of 95% agreement -10.84-11.2, simple linear regression testing p-value 0.971), with no agreement at 15 minutes (0.51 ± 7.15, -13.5-14.5, p = 0.000), 30 minutes. (2.62 ± 7.83, -12.73-17.97, p = 0.000), or after deflation (1.81 ± 6.56, -10.93-14.55, p = 0.015).

CONCLUSION

Usage of capnography as a trend monitor in pediatric laparoscopic surgeries may not be a reliable surrogate for PaCO2 levels.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinical Trials. gov (Identifier: NCT03361657).

Advances in Non-Invasive Blood Pressure Monitoring

This paper reviews recent advances in non-invasive blood pressure monitoring and highlights the added value of a novel algorithm-based blood pressure sensor which uses machine-learning techniques to extract blood pressure values from the shape of the pulse waveform. We report results from preliminary studies on a range of patient populations and discuss the accuracy and limitations of this capacitive-based technology and its potential application in hospitals and communities.

Ultrasound-guided arterial catheterization

Ultrasonography facilitates arterial catheterization compared to traditional palpation techniques, especially in small arteries. For successful catheterization without complications, practitioners should be familiar with the anatomic characteristics of the artery and ultrasound-guided techniques. There are two approaches for ultrasound-guided arterial catheterization: the short-axis view out-of-plane approach and the long-axis view in-plane approach. There are several modified techniques and tips to facilitate ultrasound-guided arterial catheterization. This review deals with the anatomy relevant to arterial catheterization, several methods to improve success rates, and decrease complications associated with arterial catheterization.