# Ultrasound-guided radial vein cannulation for general anesthesia in cases with difficult peripheral venous access: a report of two cases

## TL;DR

This paper shows how the radial vein can be used for IV access in patients with difficult venous access due to prior surgeries.

## Contribution

The study introduces the radial vein as a viable alternative site for ultrasound-guided catheterization in patients with compromised traditional venous access.

## Key findings

- Ultrasonography identified the radial vein as the only viable site for catheterization in two patients with difficult venous access.
- Radial vein catheterization was successfully performed without complications in both cases.
- The radial vein proved to be a safe and effective alternative for anesthesia and monitoring in these patients.

## Abstract

Despite advancements in ultrasonography, locating peripheral veins for catheter placement remains a challenge in patients with altered anatomy owing to multiple surgeries. Herein, we highlight the potential of using the radial vein as an alternative site for ultrasound-guided peripheral venous catheterization.

We present two cases of patients with extensive surgical histories, including multiple abdominal surgeries, leading to difficult peripheral venous access. Traditional sites for peripheral venous catheterization were unsuitable due to vein narrowing or lack of visibility. In both cases, ultrasonography helped identify the radial vein as the only viable site for catheter placement. The patients underwent successful ultrasonography-guided catheterization of the radial vein without complications, facilitating medical management, including anesthesia induction and intraoperative monitoring.

The radial vein is a feasible and safe alternative for ultrasound-guided peripheral venous access in patients where traditional venous access sites are compromised.