Axillary arterial catheter use associated with hand ischemia in a multi-trauma patient: case report and literature review

A case of hand ischemia associated with use of an axillary arterial catheter in a multi-trauma patient is presented. Despite removal of the arterial catheter and limb salvage procedures, distal hand gangrene developed. Simple measures such as minimizing dressings, use of distal continuous pulse oximetry, placement of invasive arterial catheters in the nondominant extremity, and avoiding their use whenever possible may prevent complications and minimize morbidity.