Ultrasound-Guided Dynamic Needle-Tip Positioning Method Is Superior to Conventional Palpation and Ultrasound Method in Arterial Catheterization

Background: Dynamic needle-tip positioning (DNTP) was shown to improve arterial cannulation efficiency with fewer complications than conventional palpation and ultrasound methods by some studies. However, this is still controversial, and we performed this meta-analysis to comprehensively assess its value in arterial cannulation. Methods: A literature search of randomized controlled trials was conducted, and 11 studies were finally included. Efficiency outcomes (first-attempt success, overall success, and total cannulation time) and complications (hematoma, thrombosis, posterior wall puncture, and vasospasm) were separately analyzed. Subgroup analyses in different populations under cannulation were also performed. Results: DNTP was associated with increased first-attempt success (pooled RR = 1.792, p < 0.001), overall success (pooled RR = 1.368, p = 0.001), and decreased cannulation time (pooled SMD = -1.758, p = 0.001) than palpation. DNTP gained even more advantage in small children and infants. No significant difference in these outcomes between DNTP and conventional ultrasound method was detected. Fewer hematoma occurred in DNTP than palpation (pooled RR = 0.265, p < 0.001) or traditional ultrasound (pooled RR = 0.348, p < 0.001). DNPT was also associated with fewer posterior wall punctures (pooled RR = 0.495, p = 0.001) and vasospasm (pooled RR = 0.267, p = 0.007) than traditional ultrasound. Conclusions: DNTP was a better choice in artery cannulation than conventional palpation and ultrasound method, especially in small children and infants.