The Effect of Using Smart Glasses Integrated Ultrasonography in Radial Artery Catheterization: A Prospective Randomized Trial

Objective: The use of ultrasonography (USG) in arterial catheterization, in which the comfort of the practitioners and hand-eye coordination are very important, is frequently needed by anesthesiologists in daily practice. We aimed to investigate whether radial artery catheterization with smart glasses-integrated USG would increase success and satisfaction. Methods: One hundred twenty patients who were >18 years old and would have undergone elective surgery with an indication for radial artery catheterization between August and December 2022 were included in this prospective randomized study. Patients who underwent catheterization in the last month and had contraindications were excluded. In the Standard USG Group, catheterizations were performed with standard USG, and in the Smart Glass Group, with smart glasses-integrated USG. Two anesthetists, a junior practitioner with experience with 20-50 catheterizations and a senior practitioner with experience with over 50 catheterizations, performed the catheterizations. The subcutaneous distance, radial artery depth, and diameter in short axis, catheterization time, and ergonomic satisfaction were recorded. Results: Sixty patients in standard USG group and 59 patients in Smart Glass Group, with similar demographics, were included in statistical analysis. The mean first catheterization time by junior practitioners, with smart glasses integrated USG, was shorter than standard USG (49.07±29.91 sec vs. 99.73±75.18 sec, P <0.001). The junior practitioner was more satisfied with smart glasses-integrated USG. There was no significant difference between groups in terms of interventions made by the senior practitioner. Conclusion: Radial artery catheterization with smart glasses integrated USG shortens catheterization time, and increases satisfaction by increasing the comfort of USG use for junior practitioners.