Ultrasound-Guided Ulnar Versus Radial Artery Cannulation in Children

Arterial catheterization provides continuous blood pressure monitoring and repeated blood sampling in children undergoing surgery at high cardiovascular or hemorrhagic risk, and in critically ill children. The radial artery is the conventional site, but cannulation remains challenging in children because of small vessel caliber and frequent anatomical variants. Ultrasound guidance has made alternative sites accessible, and the ulnar artery has a comparable caliber and a depth often closer to the range considered optimal for puncture. This trial compared ultrasound-guided ulnar versus radial arterial cannulation in children older than one year, with regard to first-attempt success and the rate of local complications.