Noncoronary complications of coronary intervention

Fatal Femoral Pseudoaneurysm Rupture after Endovascular Intervention: A Case Report and Literature Review

A rupture of a femoral pseudoaneurysm is an extremely rare complication of endovascular procedures, but its outcome can be life-threatening. In this report, we present a case of a femoral pseudoaneursym rupture in a patient in their early 90s following intra-arterial mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke. Despite receiving medical and surgical interventions, the patient subsequently developed multiple organ failure, ultimately resulting in death. This case emphasizes the critical role of appropriate selection of vascular closure technique and careful post-procedural monitoring, particularly in high-risk patients.

Safety of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement in Patients with Aortic Aneurysm: A Propensity-Matched Analysis

Introduction

There is a paucity of data regarding the outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) among patients with thoracic or abdominal aortic aneurysms (AA). Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database, we explored the safety of TAVR among patients with a diagnosis of AA.

Methods

We queried the National Inpatient Sample database (2012–2017) for hospitalized patients undergoing TAVR, using ICD-9 and ICD-10 codes for endovascular TAVR. Reports show that > 95% of endovascular TAVR in the US is via transfemoral access, so our population are mostly patients undergoing transfemoral TAVR. Using propensity score matching, we compared the trends and outcomes of TAVR procedures among patients with versus without AA.

Results

From a total sample of 29,517 individuals who had TAVR procedures between January 2012 and December 2017, 910 had a diagnosis of AA. In 774 matched-pair analysis, all-cause in-hospital mortality was similar in patients with and without AA OR 0.63 [(95% CI 0.28–1.43), p = 0.20]. The median length of stay was higher in patients with AA: 4 days (IQR 2.0–7.0) versus 3 days (IQR 2.0–6.0) p = 0.01. Risk of AKI [OR 1.01 (0.73–1.39), p = 0.87], heart block requiring pacemaker placement [OR 1.17 (0.81–1.69), p = 0.40], aortic dissection [OR 2.38 (0.41–13.75), p = 0.25], acute limb ischemia [OR 0.46 (0.18–1.16), p = 0.09], vascular complications [OR 0.80 (0.34–1.89), p = 0.53], post-op bleeding [OR 1.12 (0.81–1.57), p = 0.42], blood transfusion [OR 1.20 (0.84–1.70), p = 0.26], and stroke [OR 0.58 (0.24–1.39), p = 0.25] were similar in those with and without AA.

Conclusions

Data from a large nationwide database demonstrated that patients with AA undergoing TAVR are associated with similar in-hospital outcomes compared with patients without AA.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40119-022-00258-6.

Benefits of routine prophylactic femoral access during transvenous lead extraction

BACKGROUND

The number of patients requiring lead extraction has been increasing in recent years. Despite significant advances in operator experience and technique, unexpected complications may occur. Prophylactic placement of femoral sheaths allows for immediate endovascular access for emergency procedures and may shorten response time in the event of complications.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to assess the benefits of routine prophylactic femoral access in patients undergoing transvenous lead extraction (TLE) and to evaluate the methods, frequency, and efficacy of the emergency measures used in those patients.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent TLE from January 2012 to February 2019. The data were analyzed with regard to procedural complications and deployment of emergency measures via femoral access.

RESULTS

Two hundred eighty-five patients (mean age 65.3 ± 15.5 years) were included in the study. Median lead dwell time was 84 months (interquartile range 58-144). Overall complication rate was 4.2% (n = 12), with 1.8% major complications (n = 5). Clinical success rate was 97.2%. Procedure-related mortality was 1.1% (n = 3). Femoral sheaths were actively engaged in 9.1% (n = 26) of cases. Deployment of snares was the most common intervention (n = 10), followed by prophylactic (n = 6) or emergency placement (n = 1) of occlusion balloons, temporary pacing (n = 3), venous angioplasty (n = 3), diagnostic venography (n = 3), and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (n = 1). We did not observe any femoral vascular complications due to prophylactic sheath placement.

CONCLUSION

Routine prophylactic placement of femoral sheaths shortens response time and quickly establishes control in the event of various complications that may occur during TLE procedures.

Meta-Analysis Comparing Percutaneous to Surgical Access in Trans-Femoral Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation

To compare the outcomes in trans-femoral transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TF-TAVI) performed with percutaneous approach (PC) versus surgical cut-down (SC). In 13 trials including 5,859 patients (PC = 3447, SC = 2412), the outcomes based on Valve Academic Research Consortium criteria were compared between PC and SC in TF-TAVI. Compared with SC, PC was associated with similar major vascular complications (VCs) (8.7% vs 8.5%; odds ratio [OR] = 0.93, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.76 to 1.15, p = 0.53), major bleeding (OR = 1.09, 95% CI = 0.66 to 1.8, p = 0.73), perioperative mortality (5.7% vs 5.2%; OR = 1.13, 95% CI = 0.85 to 1.49, p = 0.4), urgent surgical repair (OR = 1.27, 95% CI = 0.81 to 2.02, p = 0.3), stroke (3.3% vs 3.9%; OR = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.53 to 1.36, p = 0.5), myocardial infarction (1.3% vs 1.1%; OR = 1.06, 95% CI = 0.53 to 2.12, p = 0.86), and renal failure (5.2% vs 5.9%; OR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.38 to 1.22, p = 0.2), but shorter hospital stay (9.1 ± 8.5 vs 9.6 ± 9.5 days; mean difference = -1.07 day, 95% CI = -2.0 to -0.15, p = 0.02) and less blood transfusion (18.5% vs 25.7%; OR = 0.61, 95% CI = 0.43-0.86, p = 0.005). Minor VCs occurred more frequently in PC compared to SC (11.9% vs 6.9%; OR = 1.67, 95% CI = 1.04-2.67, p = 0.03). In conclusion, in TF-TAVI, PC is a safe and feasible alternative to SC, and adopting either approach depends on operator experience after ensuring that vascular access could be safely achieved with that specific technique.

Efficacy and Safety of Subcutaneous Fellow's Stitch Using "Fisherman's Knot" Technique to Achieve Large Caliber (> 10 French) Venous Hemostasis

Background

Among patients undergoing intervention involving venous access, various techniques have been implemented to achieve hemostasis in order to reduce local access site complications, to decrease length of stay and to facilitate early ambulation. We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of fellow’s stitch using “fisherman’s knot” (figure of Z (FoZ)) technique when compared with conventional manual compression for immediate closure of large venous sheath (> 10 French (Fr)).

Methods

Between November 2012 and March 2019, 949 patients underwent various interventions which involved venous access requiring hemostasis. All the patients were anticoagulated with heparin during the procedure. In a sequential allocation, fellow’s stitch using “fisherman’s knot” (group I: n = 384) and conventional manual compression (group II: n = 365) were used in achieving hemostasis at right/left femoral venous access site following sheath removal (> 12 Fr). A 0-Vicryl suture was used to make one deep stitch just distal to entry of sheath and one superficial stitch just proximal to entry site, thereby creating an FoZ. A fisherman’s knot was then tied, and knot was pushed down while sheath was removed. In cases where immediate hemostasis was not achieved, it was compressed for 2 min to achieve it.

Results

The mean age of 949 patients was 13.1 ± 8.2 years where male (n = 574; 65%) outnumbered female (n = 375; 35%). In group I, hemostasis was achieved immediately after tying the knot in 343 (89.3%) patients, while within ≤ 2 min of light pressure in 41 (10.7%) patients. Five (1.3%) patients had failure of stitch as suture snapped during knotting, and hemostasis was achieved by manual compression as per protocol in group I. The median time to hemostasis (1.1 vs. 14.3 min, P < 0.001), ambulation (3.3 vs. 18.9 h, P < 0.01) and hospital stay (24.6 vs. 36.8 h, P < 0.001) was significantly shorter in group I compared to group II. The minor vascular access site complications in form of hematoma (n = 6 (1.6%) vs. n = 1 (0.2%); P < 0.001), and thrombosis at femoral vein (n = 4 (1.1%) vs. n = 0 (0%); P < 0.001) were significantly higher in group II when compared to group I. The differences regarding re-bleeding and formation of arterio-venous fistula between both the groups were statistically insignificant.

Conclusion

The fellow’s stitch using “fisherman’s knot” or “FoZ” suture is a simple, efficacious and safe technique to achieve an immediate hemostasis after removal of larger venous sheath (> 10 Fr).

Factors affecting treatment, management and mortality in cases of retroperitoneal hematoma after cardiac catheterization: a single-center experience

INTRODUCTION

There is little information available on the clinical aspects, results, treatment and management of cardiac catheterization-related retroperitoneal hematoma. Data on the subject are rather limited, and current publications are based on a limited number of retrospective cohort studies and case reports.

AIM

To perform a retrospective analysis of the demographic, clinical, and in-hospital results of patients who developed retroperitoneal hematoma (RPH) after cardiac catheterization (CC).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The cases of 124,064 patients who had CCs between January 2010 and October 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients diagnosed with RPH were classified into three groups depending on the method of treatment: conservative (group 1), endovascular stenting (group 2), and surgery (group 3). The independent risk factors, based on RPH-related mortality, were determined by logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

Of the 68 (0.054%) patients with RPH, 75% received conservative treatment, 13.2% underwent angiographic stent placement, and 11.7% had surgical treatment. Red blood cell packets (RBCPs) (p = 0.043), duration of hospitalization (p = 0.007), and mortality rates (p = 0.006) were statistically significantly higher in group 3 in comparison to the other groups. Multivariate subgroup analysis was conducted to determine mortality rates, with post-procedural highest creatinine ≥ 2 mg/dl and RBCPs ≥ 10 established as independent risk factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Hemodynamically stable patients with no active hemorrhaging are shown to have good results with conservative treatment. We believe that endovascular methods should be used initially for hemodynamically unstable patients, while surgical treatment should be employed in cases where endovascular methods fail or abdominal compartment syndrome develops.

Technological Advances in the Design of Catheters and Devices Used in Renal Artery Interventions: Impact on Complications

Purpose:

To analyze the impact of technical improvements in stent devices and guiding catheters (e.g., reduced device diameter, increased flexibility) on the complication rates associated with percutaneous renal artery interventions.

Methods:

During a 5-year period (1997–2001), 268 consecutive patients (178 men; mean age 67±9 years) had 370 atherosclerotic renal artery stenoses (RAS) ≥70% treated with angioplasty/stenting in 320 procedures. The guiding catheter technique was used routinely until 2000; in 2001, a guiding sheath was used in 29% of cases. From 1997 to 2000, sealing devices were frequently used for sheath removal; during the last year, the sheaths were removed using the Femostop device.

Results:

In 320 interventions, 32 (10%) complications occurred, with a decreasing frequency during the last 2 years (1996/97: 13% [7/53]; 1998: 16% [9/57]; 1999: 15% [11/74]; 2000: 4% [3/70]; 2001: 3% [2/66]). There were 21 (6.6%) local complications, including 4 cases requiring permanent hemodialysis after the intervention and 11 (3.4%) access site complications. No procedure-related death occurred. During the study period, the average sheath diameter was reduced from 8.15±0.76 F to 6.15±0.63 F (p<0.05). Mean procedural time was reduced from 42±13 minutes to 23±11 minutes (p<0.05). The initial heparin dose was reduced from 10,000 to 5000 units.

Conclusions:

In parallel with the use of more flexible catheters and premounted stents of lower profile, the complication rate of renal angioplasty/stenting of atherosclerotic RAS has been reduced significantly during a 5-year period.

Subcutaneous Double "Purse String Suture"-A Safe Method for Femoral Vein Access Site Closure after Leadless Pacemaker Implantation

BACKGROUND

Leadless cardiac pacemaker (LCP) requires large-caliber venous sheaths for device placement. Sheath sizes for these procedures vary from 18- to 23-French (F). The most common complications are hematomas, pseudoaneurysms, and arteriovenous fistulas. Complete and secure closure of the venous access is an important step at the end of such a procedure.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of all patients who had undergone LCP implantation at our institution. Patients and procedural characteristics as well as groin complications at 30 days and 3 months were evaluated. After sheath removal venous access sites were closed performing a so-called "purse-string" suture (PSS).

RESULTS

Seventy-seven patients received an LCP at our institution. In 27 (35%) of these patients a heparin bolus was given at the beginning of the procedure. Anticoagulation therapy with phenprocoumon was present in 32 (40%) of patients. In 76 (98.7%) patients, the LCP was implanted without complications. In one (1.3%) patient a perforation occurred during implantation, which required surgical intervention. Access site complications occurred in three (3.9%) patients, two (2.6%) groin hematomas, and one (1.3%) arteriovenous fistula. The hematomas disappeared completely after 3 weeks, and the fistula was not detectable by ultrasound anymore after 4 weeks.

CONCLUSION

Use of subcutaneous absorbable double PSS closure after removal of large-caliber venous sheaths is a safe technique to achieve immediate postprocedural hemostasis. Especially for sheath sizes with an inner diameter of 23F, this technique creates a very secure and also cosmetically appealing closure.

Small left atrial size complicating percutaneous transcatheter device closure of secundum atrial septal defect with conventional approach

Background and Objectives

Transcatheter device closure becomes the first option for treating secundum atrial septal defect (ASD), but the conventional method is sometimes unsuccessful even when the defect size indicates the closure to be feasible. To increase the success rate, modified methods have been introduced and used. This study aimed to find predictors for using the modified methods in the device closure of secundum ASDs.

Subjects and Methods

Between October 2010 and December 2012, 92 patients with ASDs underwent the transcatheter device closure. We analyzed the sizes of the defect, the surrounding rims, and the ratios of the left atrium (LA) dimensions to the device size in the patients who underwent the procedure either using the conventional or modified methods.

Results

Among the 88 successful cases (95.7%), 22 patients (25%) required modified methods (12 using pulmonary vein and 10 using balloon). The modified method group had the larger size of ASDs and smaller posterosuperior rim. The mean ratios of the LA anteroposterior diameter, width, and length to the device size were all significantly smaller in the modified methods group than in the conventional group (1.20 vs. 1.56, 1.32 vs. 1.71, and 1.61 vs. 2.07, respectively). We found that the risk factors for the modified methods were smaller retroaortic rim, larger ASD, and smaller LA dimension/device size.

Conclusion

In addition to larger defects and smaller retroaortic rim, the smaller ratios of the LA dimensions to the device size influenced the need for the application of modified methods in the transcatheter device closure of ASDs.

Feasibility and clinical benefit of a suture-mediated closure device for femoral vein access after percutaneous edge-to-edge mitral valve repair

AIMS

We assessed feasibility, efficacy and safety of a suture-mediated closure device, Perclose Proglide (Abbott Vascular Devices, Santa Clara, CA, USA), for closure of the femoral vein access after percutaneous MitraClip (Abbott Vascular Devices) implantation.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Venous access of 80 consecutive patients undergoing percutaneous mitral valve repair using the MitraClip device was managed either by manual compression, "figure eight" suture and compression bandage for 12 hours, or by applying the Proglide device for haemostasis after the procedure (40 patients each group). Patients with Proglide closure showed complete immediate haemostasis in 92.5% (37/40) and were immobilised with a compression bandage for only four hours. In the Proglide group, one arteriovenous fistula was observed and had to be treated by vascular surgery. The overall duration of stay on an intensive care unit was significantly reduced in the Proglide group (59.4±48.9 hours vs. 84.6±59.5 hours, p<0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

Using a suture-mediated closure device for the femoral vein after percutaneous MitraClip implantation is feasible and safe. This allows earlier patient mobilisation and may reduce post-interventional duration of stay on an intensive care unit.

Technique of temporary subcutaneous "Figure-of-Eight" sutures to achieve hemostasis after removal of large-caliber femoral venous sheaths

Over the last decade, significant advances have been made in percutaneous treatment of structural heart diseases. Many of these interventions require insertion of large caliber sheaths in the femoral veins. Manual compression, compression devices, and various closure devices have been used for removal of large-sized venous sheaths. Here, we describe the use of a temporary subcutaneous "Figure-of-Eight" suture technique for venous access site closure after removal of large-caliber sheaths.

Experience with the Cardiva Boomerang Catalyst system in pediatric cardiac catheterization

OBJECTIVES

We studied the safety and efficacy of the Cardiva Boomerang Catalyst vascular closure system in pediatric patients after cardiac catheterization with access in femoral and internal jugular vessels.

BACKGROUND

Recurrent catheterization and advances in pediatric interventions increase the need for easy hemostasis without a residual foreign body that may prevent re-accessing the vessel. The Boomerang can be deployed in sheaths as small as 4Fr without residual foreign body, with minimal orientation needed, and few complications reported.

METHODS

In a two-month period, all patients between 18 months and 21 years old catheterized with 4-8Fr sheaths less than 15 cm long were eligible for Boomerang placement. These were compared retrospectively with control patients with manual hemostasis. Anthropomorphic measurements, procedure type, activated clotting time, and sheath size as well as total times of cases, intubation, hemostasis, and extubation were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

Forty-six Boomerangs were deployed in 31 patients and compared with 40 patients with manual hemostasis. Boomerangs were deployed in femoral vessels and the internal jugular vein. Device success with hemostasis was achieved in 39 patients (85%). There were no significant differences in time to hemostasis or extubation between the two groups. No major complications or operator error occurred, including hematoma, transfusion, retroperitoneal bleed, infection, vessel occlusion, or need for surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

The Boomerang is a safe and easy means of achieving hemostasis in the pediatric population, in femoral vessels as well as internal jugular veins. Its times to hemostasis and extubation were not significantly different from manual hold.

Impact of obesity on the pathogenesis and prognosis of coronary heart disease

Obesity has a significant adverse effect on coronary heart disease (CHD) risk factors, including hypertension, dyslipidemia, and the metabolic syndrome/diabetes. Obesity is an independent risk factor for CHD events; however, obese patients with CHD generally have a more favorable prognosis, with the worst prognosis associated with either underweight or morbidly obese patients. In this manuscript, the authors review the impact of obesity on overall CHD risk as well as the prognosis of obese patients with established CHD.

Femoral pseudoaneurysms and current cardiac catheterization: evaluation of risk factors and treatment

OBJECTIVES

We sought to determine the incidence of femoral pseudoaneurysm (FPA) following cardiac catheterization, identify the risk factors for FPA and factors influencing therapeutic strategy.

METHODS

11,992 consecutive patients who underwent cardiac catheterization via femoral artery were studied over a period of four years in one University Hospital. Our prospective case control group analysis registered patients who developed FPA after the procedure. Patient-related factors, procedure related factors and peri-procedure treatment were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

76 FPA were diagnosed over the study period accounting for a global incidence of 0.6% procedures. By univariate analysis, interventional procedure (p<0.01), rhythmologic procedure (p=0.03), sheath>or=6F (p=0.04) and left groin puncture (p<0.001) were FPA risk factors. By multivariate analysis, interventional procedure (adjusted odds ratio [OR]=1.99; 95% confidence interval [CI]1.14-3.44 p=0.01) and left groin puncture (OR=4.65; 95% CI, 1.78-12.1 p=0.001) are independent predictive factors of FPA. FPA thrombosis was obtained by ultrasound guided compression (UGC) in 71% of the cases. By univariate analysis, PFA diameter larger than 4 cm (p<0.001), the use of anticoagulation (p<0.01) or GPIIbIIIa inhibitors (p=0.001) and UGC under anticoagulation (p=0.01) are predictive factors of need for FPA surgical repair. By multivariate analysis, FPA diameter>4 cm and use of GPIIbIIIa inhibitors are independent predictive factors of FPA's surgical treatment. Superficial femoral puncture was predictive of successful UGC both by uni and multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study shows that FPA occurrence is mainly due to by procedure-related factors. FPA size, level of puncture and the use of GPIIbIIIa inhibitors are independent predictive factors of need for surgical therapy.

Blood Pressure and Risks of Vascular Complications After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Evidence-based protocols are needed for care of the nearly 1,000,000 patients in the United States who undergo percutaneous coronary interventional procedures. This article describes a case-matched control study of 300 patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention in which specific demographic, physician-sensitive, and nurse-sensitive factors were tested to determine their relative contribution to the incidence of vascular complications. Findings included that patients with a mean systolic blood pressure of 160 mm Hg or higher were 8 times more likely to have vascular complications (P < .001). Patients receiving heparin (with and without glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors) versus bivalirudin were 3 times more likely to have vascular complications (P = .008). Patients with hemostasis by AngioSeal and those with a history of hypertension were 77% (P =.031) and 61% (P = .005), respectively, less likely to have complications.

Femoral Vein Hemostasis in Children Using a Suture-Mediated Closure Device

The safety and efficacy of a suture-mediated vascular closure device (Perclose, Abbott, Redwood City, CA) for hemostasis after percutaneous vascular access using >or=8-Fr sheath in the femoral vein after cardiac catheterization in children was assessed. Efficacy was determined by time to hemostasis and vessel integrity, using Doppler vascular ultrasound within 24 hours of the procedure. Forty children were randomized to treatment with either the closure device (n = 20, 10 males, weight 34.8 +/- 21 kg) or manual compression (n = 20, 10 males, weight 33.7 +/- 16 kg, P = 0.57 between groups for weight). Sheath sizes used were >or=8 French (8 Fr, n = 8; 9 Fr, n = 7; 10 Fr, n = 1; 11 Fr, n = 1; 12 Fr, n = 2; and 14 Fr, n = 1). Successful suture deployment was achieved in 14 of the 20 children. Mean time to hemostasis was 6.2 +/- 0.9 versus 14.9 +/- 1.1 minutes in controls (P = 0.003). Five of six unsuccessful deployments were in children with weights <20 kg. There were no differences in the occurrence of vascular complications (i.e., intraluminal thrombus) between the two groups as determined by ultrasound. A suture-mediated device appears safe and effective in achieving rapid vascular hemostasis even after the use of large sheath sizes in children.

Ruptured femoral pseudoaneurysm presenting as a lateral abdominal wall hematoma

Lateral abdominal wall hematomas are rare. We describe a patient with a delayed rupture of a femoral artery pseudoaneurysm, who presented with such a hematoma. In contrast to other types of abdominal wall hematomas, which are often managed conservatively, a ruptured femoral artery pseudoaneurysm frequently requires emergent surgical intervention. Rupture of a pseudoaneurysm can be catastrophic. Due to the rising incidence of femoral artery pseudoaneurysms and shorter hospital stays, it is useful for the emergency physician to be familiar with the diagnosis and management of femoral artery pseudoaneurysms and their potentially life-threatening complications.

Endovascular treatment of a massive retroperitoneal bleeding: Successful balloon-catheter delivery of intra-arterial thrombin

Retroperitoneal bleeding is a potentially lethal complication of percutaneous intervention, when the common femoral artery is used as vascular access. Surgery, the traditional treatment for this complication in patients with persistent bleeding or hemodynamic instability, carries a considerable risk of morbidity and mortality. We report a case of life-threatening retroperitoneal bleeding successfully treated percutaneously with balloon occlusion and catheter delivery of thrombin to attain thrombosis of a lacerated branch of the common femoral artery. Endovascular catheter-based percutaneous treatment for massive retroperitoneal bleeding is often effective and should be pursued in selected patients.

Use of suture-mediated vascular closure devices for the management of femoral vein access after transcatheter procedures

Groin complications remain the most common complication of cardiac catheterization procedures. While the use of closure devices is increasing for arterial sheaths, venous sheaths tend to be removed and hemostasis achieved with manual compression. We report our experience using Perclose suture-mediated vascular closure device to achieve hemostasis and early mobility in patients who have had venous access as part of their procedure. There were a total of 42 patients (21 males; average age, 63.5 years) studied. The majority of the patients had 7 Fr sheaths (24), with access sites of sheaths up to 14 Fr being closed with this technique. Two patients developed complications at the access site: one patient requiring rehospitalization for intravenous antibiotics because of late access site infection, and one patient with deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary emboli. We conclude that the use of the Perclose suture-mediated closure device for closure of femoral venous access sites is feasible and should be considered especially in patients with larger venous sheaths and those at increased risk of groin complications.

An unusual cause of claudication

We describe a case of a patient who presented with claudication 3 months following a coronary angiogram in which the femoral arterial puncture site had been closed with an AngioSeal. The lesion was found to be due to the anchor of the AngioSeal, which embolized during attempted percutaneous revascularization and had to be snared and retrieved to the level of the sheath in the left femoral artery and was then surgically removed.