An unnoticed retained cannula fragment in the radial artery: Should ultrasound investigation be included in guidelines?

摘要

Arterial cannulation is a commonly performed invasive procedure for continuous blood pressure monitoring in the critically ill and those undergoing major surgery. It is generally viewed as a safe procedure, but complications do occur. Whereas haematoma and temporary arterial occlusion are relatively common, more severe complications such as local infection, sepsis, nerve damage, profuse bleeding, pseudoaneurysm formation and distal ischaemia seem to be rare.