Final answer:
Arterial cannulation for isolated limb perfusion involves accessing the brachial artery and potentially the radial and ulnar arteries to deliver treatment directly to an extremity. Using an inflatable cuff to stem blood flow, clinicians insert a cannula for the perfusion process.
Step-by-step explanation:
The procedure of arterial cannulation for isolated limb perfusion involves inserting a cannula into an artery leading to an extremity. For the upper extremities, the brachial artery is commonly accessed. This procedure is pertinent for delivering chemotherapy or other therapeutic agents directly to an extremity, without affecting the rest of the body. To perform arterial cannulation, a clinician might:
- Wrap an inflatable cuff around the patient's arm to control blood flow.
- Inject air into the cuff with a rubber pump, raising pressure to temporarily occlude arterial blood flow.
- Use a stethoscope to monitor for Korotkoff sounds, indicating blood flow resumption during cuff deflation.
Advanced knowledge of the systemic arterial system, particularly the subclavian, axillary, and brachial arteries, is essential for safe cannulation, as these vessels service the upper limbs by transferring blood from the heart and throughout the arm. The radial and ulnar arteries may also be involved depending on the perfusion technique and the region being targeted.