Cannulation injury of the radial artery: diagnosis and treatment algorithm.

Cannulation of the radial artery can result in complications ranging from arterial thrombosis, arterial aneurysm, compartment syndrome, infection, nerve injury and skin necrosis to possible thumb or even hand necrosis if not recognized and treated early. The anatomy of the radial artery, the diagnosis of injury, and a treatment algorithm are presented so that potential devastating hand complications can be avoided.