ABSTRACT
Peripheral arterial cannulation is a common procedure performed in critical care units. The radial artery at the wrist is the most popular site but there are a number of other suitable arteries: the ulnar, dorsalis pedis and posterior tibial arteries are, like the radial artery, relatively small distal vessels, but each has a collateral vessel. The brachial, femoral and axillary arteries do not have collaterals but are much larger and less likely to thrombose.
