Acute superficial and deep necrosis of lower limb following femoral arterial cannulation in a neonate undergoing arterial switch operation for transposition of great arteries.

Arterial lines are routinely used for hemodynamic monitoring and blood sampling in the operating room and in cardiac surgery intensive care unit. The complications related to arterial line insertion are very low; the knowledge of the relevant artery anatomy, skills and the experience of the operator and selection of a right size cannula plays a vital role in reducing morbidity related to arterial line insertion. We describe extensive superficial and deep necrosis of lower limb following arterial cannula insertion in a preterm neonate undergoing arterial switch procedure and discuss measures to prevent such a complication.