Radial arterial line catheters are used frequently in the perioperative setting for hemodynamic monitoring; supplies for their placement can be costly. Cost is an ongoing problem in healthcare. During the educational process, anesthesia students are often the providers placing the catheters, and multiple kits are frequently utilized in attempts to place the arterial line. The more kits used, the higher the cost. There is significant evidence to the improved success and cost-effectiveness ultrasound has on central venous catheter insertions. This prospective randomized experimental study evaluated if cost-effectiveness could also be shown with the use of ultrasound for radial arterial catheterization. Cost was evaluated by the number of Arrow kits used for radial arterial catheterization.;Fifty patients undergoing radial arterial catheterization by student nurse anesthetists were evaluated. The patients were randomized into one of two groups: ultrasound or traditional palpation technique. The number of Arrow arterial catheter kits used with each attempted placement by a student were assessed and recorded. Success rates, sites, and attempts were recorded. Random selection placed a total of 19 patients in the ultrasound group and 31 patients in the palpation group. There were no statistical demographical differences in the study groups. It is concluded that the use of ultrasound does not decrease cost via the number of kits used by students. However, secondary findings determine that students have a higher success rate of catheterization and decreased number of attempts with the use of ultrasound.
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