ARTERIAL LINE PLACEMENT, A COMPARISON OF ULTRASOUND GUIDED VS PALPATION TECHNIQUE

Abstract

Objectives: The main objective of the study is to compare arterial line placement via ultrasound-guided Seldinger with palpation technique.

Study design and place of study: Quassi experimental study, September 2024- February 2025, Tertiary care hospital. Lahore

Methodology: A total of 120 adult patients requiring arterial line placement were randomly assigned into two groups: ultrasound-guided Seldinger arterial line (n=60) and palpation technique (n=60). Patients with local infection, coagulopathy, or vascular disease were excluded. Arterial cannulation was performed under aseptic conditions using a 20G catheter. The primary outcome was first-attempt success rate, while secondary outcomes included overall success, number of attempts, procedure time, and complications. Data were analyzed using SPSS, with p<0.05 considered statistically significant.

Results: A total of 120 patients were analyzed, with comparable baseline characteristics between groups. The ultrasound group showed significantly higher first-attempt success (80% vs. 55%, p=0.003) and overall success rates (96.7% vs. 85%, p=0.028). The mean number of attempts was lower (1.3 ± 0.6 vs. 2.1 ± 1.0, p<0.001), and procedure time was shorter (92.5 ± 28.4 vs. 135.2 ± 45.6 seconds, p<0.001) in the ultrasound group. Complications such as hematoma were less frequent (5% vs. 16.7%, p=0.041). No cases of thrombosis or infection were reported.

Conclusion: ultrasound-guided Seldinger arterial line placement is more effective and safe procedure as compared to conventional approach.