Effect of Local Warming for Arterial Catheterization in Pediatric Anesthesia (WARM-PA)

Effect of Local Warming for Arterial Catheterization in Pediatric Cardiac Surgery: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study

The increase in internal diameter (ID) and cross-sectional area (CSA) may facilitate better arterial catheterization. Since an increase in body temperature can cause peripheral vasodilation, we aimed to determine if local warming of the radial artery (RA) catheterization site could improve the success rate of catheterization in pediatric patients.

This randomized, controlled study enrolls 126 pediatric patients aged ≤ 2 years who were scheduled for heart surgery. They are randomized into non-warming (C) and warming (W) groups. After induction, the baseline artery ultrasonography images are collected. In the warming group (W), local warming is applied on the catheterization site. Before catheterization, the artery ultrasonography images are collected. The primary outcome is the first-attempt success rate. The secondary outcomes included the ID and CSA of the artery and overall complications.

After induction, the baseline artery ultrasonography images are collected for the internal diameter and cross-sectional area of the artery. In the non-warming group (C), local warming is not applied on the catheterization site. Before catheterization, the artery ultrasonography images are collected. Then, arterial catheterization is applied.

In the warming group (W), local warming is applied on the catheterization site. Before catheterization, the artery ultrasonography images are collected. Then, arterial catheterization is done.

The first-attempt success rate of pediatric peripheral arterial catheterization in the non-warming group, or warming group

Inclusion Criteria: aged ≤ 2 years cardiac surgery with peripheral artery catheterization Exclusion Criteria: unstable vital signs pre-existing arterial catheter (exception of umbilical artery catheterization)

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