ABSTRACT

Radial artery cannulation is an invasive procedure that is used for monitoring of critically ill patients in intensive care units. Despite the low incidence, complications such as hemorrhage, severe thrombosis and ischemia may be seen during the procedure. A 45 years old male patient was admitted to the intensive care unit because of intracranial hemorrhage after a traffic accident. Cyanosis in the index finger of the right hand of patient was detected 7 days after the procedure and the cannula was removed immediately. An ecchymotic area around the insertion of cannula was observed and expanded during follow-up and also bleeding started. Hematoma was drained surgically, then the proximal and distal parts of 4-5 cm of damaged artery were sutured separately and the necrotic areas were debrided. The cyanosis of patient's finger and tissue damage in the region of necrosis healed as the ulnar flow was intact. The patient died due to sepsis after 6 months of intensive care unit follow-up