New proximal approach works well in temporal artery catheterization
Catheterization by way of the temporal artery avoids the hazards of umbilical catheterization in high risk neonates (blue foot, necrotizing enterocolitis, and blood clots), according to Gregory W. Prian, MD, a surgical resident at Children's Hospital in Denver. He says the technique is more versatile than catheterization via the radial artery and can be performed with ease "by anyone with moderate technical adeptness and patience." It probably should be done by the pediatrician, he added.
Using his new method, Dr Prian performed 100 catheterizations in 87 infants. He reported his results in St Louis at the annual meeting of the Society for Pediatric Research.
Dr Prian advises using Doppler ultrasound to locate the temporal artery. "This is very important," he said in an interview. Although anatomy textbooks show the temporal artery just anterior to the ear, its actual position varies
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