Radial artery duplication: Unusual point-of-care-ultrasonography finding during arterial cannulation

Abstract

The radial artery is the most common choice for arterial cannulation, coronary interventions, and various interventional radiological procedures. Here, we describe a case of unilateral duplication of the radial artery detected during radial artery cannulation using point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS). The duplication of the radial artery in the forearm can hinder trans-radial access secondary to variations in the diameter. An actual duplication also carries a high risk of accidental injury to the arterial wall during routine invasive procedures and other forearm procedures such as free flap construction. POCUS is invaluable for detecting arterial anomalies before proceeding with any interventional procedures.

Keywords

• arterial cannulation
• point-of-care-ultrasonography
• radial artery duplication