Wrist Extension Does Not Change the Position of the Radial Artery: Cadaveric Study With Application to Arterial Line Placement, and Transradial Neurointerventional Procedures. World Neurosurg 2021 Nov;155:e588-e591
Date
09/03/2021Pubmed ID
34474160DOI
10.1016/j.wneu.2021.08.105Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85114812827 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 1 CitationAbstract
BACKGROUND: The radial artery is gaining popularity as a vascular access site for neurointerventional procedures. However, recent analyses of wrist position and radial artery anatomy has suggested that the extended position of the wrist is not always necessary. Therefore, the following cadaveric study was performed to verify these findings.
METHODS: Twenty adult cadaveric upper limbs underwent dissection of the radial artery. The radial artery was exposed but left in its anatomical position. With the hand supinated, the wrist was extended to 45 degrees and 90 degrees. Observations were then made of any movement of the artery during these ranges of motion. Next, a tension gauge was attached to the radial artery and any tension on the artery measured during the above noted ranges of motion.
RESULTS: During extension of the wrist, none of the radial artery specimens was found to move in any direction. Moreover, an average of only 0.28 N of tension on the artery was found with wrist extension up to 90 degrees. Our cadaveric study found that, contrary to popular belief, extension of the wrist during cannulation of the radial artery does not change the position of the artery nor does it significantly alter the tension on the artery.
CONCLUSIONS: These data support several recent clinical studies.
Author List
Couldwell M, Elzamly K, Hextrum S, Aysenne A, Olewink Ł, Iwanaga J, Nerva J, Dumont AS, Tubbs RSAuthor
John D. Nerva MD Assistant Professor in the Neurosurgery department at Medical College of WisconsinMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
AgedAged, 80 and over
Cadaver
Catheterization, Peripheral
Female
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Radial Artery
Vascular Access Devices
Wrist
