Retrospective evaluation of safety and effectiveness of the EXOSEAL vascular closure device for single vascular closure and closure after repeat puncture in diagnostic and interventional radiology: single-center experience

Factors related to insufficient hemostasis using the EXOSEAL vascular closure device with five-minutes compression for femoral artery punctures after neuro-endovascular therapy: A retrospective, single-center experience

OBJECTIVES

The aim was to identify the factors related to inadequate hemostasis with five minutes of manual compression using the EXOSEAL vascular closure device (VCD), and to evaluate the optimal time to hemostasis (TTH).

METHODS

A total of 119 consecutive patients who underwent neuro-endovascular therapy via common femoral arterial puncture between February 2019 and August 2021 were included. These patients underwent hemostasis using an EXOSEAL with manual compression for five minutes. In this retrospective study, the 119 patients were divided into two groups: (1) achieved hemostasis with five minutes (n = 76); and (2) required more than five minutes to achieve hemostasis (n = 43, Add group). In both groups, patient's characteristics, endovascular procedures, and closure procedures were assessed.

RESULTS

On univariable analysis, activated clotting time (ACT), multiple antiplatelets, closure with an under-sized EXOSEAL VCD (U-VCD), endovascular procedure, and use of a 7Fr. VCD were significantly associated with additional compression (p < 0.05). On multivariate logistic regression analysis, the following three factors were found to be associated with additional compression: pre-closure ACT (adjusted OR, 0.136; 95% CI, 1.017-1.056; p < 0.001); multiple antithrombotics (adjusted OR, 12.843; 95% CI, 3.458-47.693; p < 0.001); and closure with a U-VCD (adjusted OR, 5.653; 95% CI, 1.751-18.151; p = 0.004). On the receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis for prediction of the need for additional compression, the cutoff point for pre-closure ACT was calculated to be 268 s. In the Add group, mean TTH was 9.8 ± 1.5 min.

CONCLUSION

Multiple antiplatelets and closure with a U-VCD may increase the risk of insufficient hemostasis with five-minutes compression using an EXOSEAL VCD for femoral puncture sites if the pre-closure ACT is greater than 268 s. In these patients, mean TTH was 9.8 ± 1.5 min.

Dual Suture Versus Suture and Plug Closure Devices for Large Bore Access Haemostasis During Percutaneous Access Endovascular Aneurysm Repair

PURPOSE

This study aimed to compare a dual Proglide strategy versus a combination of one Proglide and dual Exoseal for large-bore access closure during percutaneous access endovascular aneurysm repair (pEVAR).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 97 patients who underwent pEVAR at our center between January 2021 and February 2023. The patients were divided into two groups: dual Proglide (P + P) and one Proglide with dual Exoseal (P + E). The primary outcome measures were technical success and access-related vascular complications. Technical success was defined as achieving complete hemostasis without a bailout strategy. Postprocedural follow-up for access-related vascular complications was evaluated at 30 and 60 days using computed tomography angiography and ultrasonography. Severity was graded according to the Cardiovascular Interventional Radiological Society of Europe (CIRSE) Classification.

RESULTS

Overall, a dual Proglide strategy was used in 46 patients (47.4%) with 65 groins (46.4%), and a combination of one Proglide and dual Exoseal was used in 51 patients (52.6%) with 75 groins (53.6%). The baseline characteristics were similar between the groups. The total technical success rate was 96.4%, and no significant differences were observed (95.4% vs. 97.3%; p = 0.870). Minor bleeding treatable through compression occurred significantly more often in the P group (CIRSE 1, 10.8% vs. 1.3%, p = 0.042). Hemostasis time, procedural time, length of stay in the hospital, closure device failure, and incidence of unplanned intervention did not differ significantly between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

A combined Proglide and Exoseal strategy is safe and effective for large-bore access closure during pEVAR and can be considered an alternative. However, it should be supported by larger prospective studies.

Efficacy and Safety of Ultrasound-Guided Repeat Access and Repeat Closure With an ExoSeal Vascular Closure System in Patients With Peripheral Arterial Disease

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided repeat access and repeat closure with an ExoSeal vascular closure system.

METHODS

A total of 123 endovascular therapy (EVT) procedures were performed in 59 patients (65 limbs) with ultrasound-guided repeat access and repeat implantation of an ExoSeal vascular closure system between January 2019 and March 2021. The procedural details and postprocedural outcomes of EVT with repeat access and use of ExoSeal (RE group) were compared with those of EVT with initial use of ExoSeal (IE group) in the same patients. In a subgroup analysis, these outcomes were also compared in early repeat (within 3 months) and late repeat (over 3 months) cases.

RESULTS

The technical success rate of ultrasound-guided access in the RE group was 100%. The procedural success rate of EVT and deployment success rate of ExoSeal in the RE group were 93% and 94%, respectively, which were not significantly different to those in the IE group. Access site complications in the RE group occurred in 2 cases (2%), again with no significant difference with the IE group. The median puncture, procedural, and hemostasis times in the RE group were 3 [2-5], 36.5 [29-54], and 7 [5-10] min, respectively, which were not significantly longer than those in the IE group. In the RE group, early and late repeat closure was performed in 66 (54%) and 57 (46%) cases, respectively, and there were no significant differences in the technical success of ultrasound-guided access, procedural success of EVT, deployment success of ExoSeal, and access site complication rates in these cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Ultrasound-guided access facilitated higher technical success of repeat access and fewer access site complications in EVT with repeat use of ExoSeal, regardless of the interval between procedures.

The ARAHKEY technique: A novel method for the management of access site bleeding during percutaneous transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement

OBJECTIVE

This retrospective study assessed the safety and efficacy of the ARAHKEY (ARterial sealing with Additional Hemostatic device Kissing with Extravascular and suture-based device deeplY) technique during transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).

BACKGROUND

Access site complications are still a major issue to be solved during TAVR using a large caliber sheath.

METHODS

From February 2014 to June 2019, a total of 302 patients underwent TAVR in our hospital. Twenty-five patients (10.2% of patients who underwent percutaneous transfemoral TAVR [n = 246]) were treated using the ARAHKEY technique, which is the additional use of Exoseal for the common femoral artery puncture site when hemostasis was not achieved with ProGlide alone.

RESULTS

Complete hemostasis was achieved in all patients (100%). The mean procedural time for hemostasis was 9.8 ± 4.5 min. No complications, including recurrent bleeding, infection, and late acquired hematoma, were observed in this study cohort.

CONCLUSION

The ARAHKEY technique is a safe method and should be considered as a secondary option when hemostasis is not achieved with ProGlide during TAVR.

A Retrospective Study Comparing the Effectiveness and Safety of EXOSEAL Vascular Closure Device to Manual Compression in Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Transbrachial Procedures

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of EXOSEAL vascular closure device (EVCD) insertion by comparing its performance with manual compression (MC) in achieving hemostasis at the brachial artery puncture site.

METHODS

A retrospective study of brachial artery access by using either MC or EVCD for achieving hemostasis from March 2016 to October 2017 was conducted. Patients with Stanford type B aortic dissection (TBAD) undergoing percutaneous transbrachial procedures were included. Time to hemostasis (TTH) was the primary efficacy end point. Seven-day incidence of major access site-related complications was the primary safety end point. TTH and major and minor complications associated with treatment of these 2 groups were also evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 157 patients with TBAD undergoing percutaneous transbrachial procedures entered the analysis. Of these, 107 patients underwent EVCD insertion and 50 patients underwent MC. The baseline characteristics of the 2 groups were similar. TTH was significantly shorter for EVCD over MC (P < 0.05). The TTH ≥10 min in the MC group was 100.0% (n = 50), but in the EVCD group, it was ≤2 min, 87.9% (n = 107); 2-5 min, 7.5% (n = 107); and ≥10 min, 4.7% (n = 107). The EVCD group had several major complications, while the MC group had none. Two patients (1.9%, n = 107) required vascular repair, one patient (0.6%, n = 107) required blood transfusion, and 1 patient (0.6%, n = 107) developed upper limb numbness and weakness after EVCD deployment. Minor complication such as the occurrence of hematoma (≤5 cm) in the MC group was 4 (8.0%) but was also 4 (3.7%) in the EVCD group, showing statistically significant difference (P = 0.030). The incidence of ecchymosis was 8 (7.5%) in the EVCD group when compared with 13 (26.0%) in the MC group, which showed statistically significant difference (P = 0.001). Other major and minor complications showed no significant differences between these 2 groups.

CONCLUSIONS

After invasive procedures by 6F percutaneous access via the brachial artery in preprocedurally fully anticoagulated patients, TTH was significantly reduced in patients who underwent EVCD when compared with patients who underwent MC. MC is a safer and more convenient way to achieve hemostasis but has higher incidence of minor complications.

Korean single-center experience with femoral access closure using the ExoSeal device

AIM

To report 17-mo experience of femoral artery puncture site closure during angiographic procedures using ExoSeal vascular closure devices (VCDs).

METHODS

Between November 2015 and April 2017, we performed 179 diagnostic and interventional angiographic procedures via a common femoral arterial access. The ExoSeal VCD was used at the puncture site to achieve hemostasis in 125 patients. We evaluated the technical and procedural success rates, the complications, and the factors affecting the hemostasis time of the ExoSeal VCDs.

RESULTS

Technical and procedural successes were achieved in 176 cases (98.0%) and 128 cases (71.5%), respectively. Device failure occurred in 3 (1.7%) cases. In 1 case (0.6%) a small hematoma developed, but there were no major complications. Among the hemostasis-relevant variables, a history of drinking alcohol, low platelet (PLT) count, and high prothrombin time-international normalized ratio (commonly known as PT-INR) values were the statistically significant predictors of the need for longer manual compression (MC). There was no difference in the success rates between the repeat and single ExoSeal procedure groups, and repeated use of the ExoSeal did not affect hemostasis time.

CONCLUSION

The ExoSeal VCD effectively achieves hemostasis, with few complications. Longer light MC may be needed with alcohol drinkers, low PLT count, and high PT-INR values.

Haemostasis with the FISH Vascular Closure Device after 6 French Transfemoral Accesses in Interventional Radiology: Clinical Results

INTRODUCTION

Endovascular procedures have increased for different indications over the recent years. To achieve a safe haemostasis after arterial puncture and for more comfort for the patients different vascular closure devices have been developed.

AIM

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a percutaneous closure system based on a matrix patch for achieving haemostasis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study from 2014 to 2015 a percutaneous vascular closure system Femoral Introducer Sheath and Haemostasis (FISH) was used in 54 patients (mean age 69.0±10.7 years), in an antegrade and retrograde technique within the context of an angiographic intervention. The system was used in conjunction with transfemoral approaches with a sheath size of 6F. Postinterventionally (on the following day and after 6 weeks), follow-up was conducted clinically and using colour coded ultrasound.

RESULTS

Immediate haemostasis was achieved in 50/54 patients (92.6 %). In 4 cases, an immediate haemostasis was not achieved. In these cases, manual compression was successful. There was one major complication, a retroperitoneal bleeding requiring transfusion. Minor complications were not observed.

CONCLUSION

Safe and effective haemostasis is possible with the percutaneous FISH closure system at puncture sizes of 6 F. An immediate re-puncture after using FISH is possible.

Hemostatic Wound Dressing for Postinterventional Hemostasis in Large Femoral Artery Access Sites

Purpose: To present the results of a prospective single-center study that evaluated the safety and efficacy of a hemostatic dressing following femoral artery access. Methods: Within a 9-month period, 80 patients (mean age 68±14 years; 55 men) were treated with a hemostatic dressing patch (Hematrix Active Patch) containing aminocaproic acid, calcium chloride, and thrombin after endovascular procedures via a 6- to 8-F femoral artery access. After removing the sheath, the wound dressing was placed on the puncture site followed by constant manual compression adapted to the sheath size (specified pressure times: 8 minutes for 6-F, 9 minutes for 7-F, and 10 minutes for 8-F). Patients were treated with an additional pressure bandage for 24 hours. Hemostasis was checked clinically and with duplex ultrasound after patch removal and at 24 hours. Patient characteristics [platelets, systolic blood pressure, international normalized ratio (INR), and partial thromboplastin time (PTT)], sheath sizes, and approach direction were compared among patients with successful hemostasis (within specified pressure times) vs those with prolonged compression. Results: A total of 39 6-F, 19 7-F, and 22 8-F sheaths were employed. In 73 (91.2%) of 80 patients, hemostasis was reached within the prespecified pressure times (mean 8.8±0.8 minutes). In 7 patients (4 6-F, 1 7-F, 2 8-F) a longer compression time was necessary (mean 34±30 minutes). No serious major complication occurred. Twelve (15.0%) minor and 5 (6.3%) moderate subcutaneous hematomas were observed. Two (2.5%) false aneurysms were treated successfully. Ambulation and discharge was possible within 24 hours in 79 (98.7%) cases. Patients with initial hemostasis and those with prolonged compression did not differ substantially (p>0.05) according to sheath size, approach direction, INR (1.09±0.3 vs 1.11±0.3), platelets (234±47×103/µL vs 249±93×103/µL), systolic blood pressure (150±26 vs 152±17 mm Hg), or PTT (31±7.9 vs 34.8±10.0 seconds). Conclusion: The evaluated wound dressing seems to be safe and effective in reducing time to hemostasis in large arterial access sites. However, a randomized trial with a larger population and an active control group is necessary to confirm these preliminary data. Moreover, additional focus on shortening the time to ambulation is required in future studies.

Exoseal for puncture site closure after antegrade procedures in peripheral arterial disease patients

PURPOSE

Exoseal is a vascular clo-sure device consisting of a plug applier and a bio-absorbent polyglycolic acid plug available in sizes 5 F, 6 F, and 7 F. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the Exoseal vascular closure device (Cordis Corporation, Bridgewater, New Jersey, USA) for puncture site closure after antegrade endovascular procedures in peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD) patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this retrospective study, a total of 168 consecutive patients who underwent an interventional procedure due to PAOD, were included. In each case, an antegrade peripheral endovascular procedure was performed via the common femoral artery using the Seldinger technique, and Exoseal 5 F, 6 F, or 7 F was used for access site closure. The primary endpoint was a technically successful application of Exoseal. All complications at the access site within 24 hours were registered as a secondary endpoint.

RESULTS

In a group of 168 patients (64.9% men, average age 71.9±11.9 years), the technical application of Exoseal was successful in 166 patients (98.8%). Within the first 24 hours after the procedure, 12 complications (7.2%) were recorded including, three pseudoaneurysms (1.8%) and nine hematomas (5.4%). None of the complications required surgical intervention.

CONCLUSION

Exoseal is a safe and effective device with high technical success and acceptable complication rates for access site closure after antegrade peripheral endovascular procedures.

Safety and effectiveness of a novel vascular closure device: a prospective study of the ExoSeal compared to the Angio-Seal and ProGlide

PURPOSE

To prospectively assess the safety and efficacy of a novel absorbable vascular closure device (ExoSeal) in patients undergoing cardiac catheterization with femoral access compared to the established collagen-based (Angio-Seal) and suture-mediated (ProGlide) closure devices.

METHODS

This prospective, observational, dual-center, non-randomized, non-blinded study enrolled 1013 patients (65.1 ± 11.8 years) undergoing cardiac catheterization via a common femoral artery access in which hemostasis was achieved using a vascular closure device (255 Angio-Seal, 258 ProGlide, and 500 ExoSeal). In hospital complications (bleeding, hematoma, pseudoaneurysm, vessel occlusion, dissection, and arteriovenous fistula) of the puncture site and device failures (persistent bleeding) were recorded and compared for ExoSeal vs. the established devices (Angio-Seal + ProGlide).

RESULTS

There were more complications after utilization of ExoSeal compared to established devices (3.6% vs. 1.2%, p=0.012). No significant difference was observed in the device success rate between the established vascular closure devices (96.3%) and the novel device (94.8%, p=0.28). Considering each closure system, Angio-Seal had the lowest complication rate (0.4%) and the highest efficacy (99.2%); the latter differed significantly from ExoSeal (94.8%, p=0.001). Logistic regression analysis revealed a >3-fold odds of complications when using ExoSeal, which remained unchanged in multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSION

Utilization of the novel vascular closure device is associated with a higher complication rate and a similar device failure rate compared to collagen-based and suture-mediated devices, with Angio-Seal having the lowest complication and device failure rates.

Comparison of Exo-Seal(®) and Angio-Seal (®) for arterial puncture site closure: A randomized, multicenter, single-blind trial

BACKGROUND

The use of extravascular femoral closure devices in patients undergoing coronary angiography/intervention has not been sufficiently evaluated. We sought to define the impact of an extravascular polyglycolic acid (PGA) plug for the closure of a femoral access site in patients undergoing coronary angiography and/or percutaneous coronary intervention.

METHODS

In this prospective, single-blind, multicenter trial we randomly assigned 319 patients to vessel closure with Angio-Seal(®) or Exo-Seal(®). We hypothesized that the use of an extravascular closure device is not inferior to an anchor/plug-mediated device regarding the occurrence of the composite primary endpoint: hematoma > 5 cm, significant groin bleeding (TIMI major bleed), false aneurysm, and device failure.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in patient baseline characteristics or procedural results. After 24 h the primary endpoint occurred in nine patients (5.6 %) in the Angio-Seal(®) group and in 13 patients (8.2 %) inthe Exo-Seal(®) group (p = 0.38). Hematoma > 5 cm was noted in three patients (1.9 %) receiving Angio-Seal(®) vs. two patients (1.3 %) receiving Exo-Seal(®) (p = 0.99). In one patient (0.6 %) of the Exo-Seal(®) group, TIMI major bleeding occurred, requiring transfusion (p = 0.49). There were four (2.5 %) false aneurysms found in patients treated with Angio-Seal(®) and two (1.3 %) in patients treated with Exo-Seal(®) (p = 0.68). There was a trend for a higher incidence of device failure in the Exo-Seal(®) group (1.2 vs. 5.2 %, p = 0.06). At telephone interview after 30 days, there was no significant difference found regarding the events readmission with surgery of puncture site, infection, bleeding, hematoma, or pain.

CONCLUSION

In the present study, there were no significant differences found regarding the occurrence of hematoma > 5 cm, major bleeding, false aneurysm, and device failure between Angio-Seal(®) and Exo-Seal(®) 24 h after device implantation.

Incidence of delayed angiographic femoral artery complications using the EXOSEAL vascular closure device

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Femoral artery injuries are known complications of percutaneous vascular closure devices (VCDs). We studied the incidence of delayed femoral artery angiographic irregularities after neurointerventional procedures in which the EXOSEAL extravascular closure device was used for femoral arterial puncture closure.

METHODS

Adult patients who underwent femoral arterial puncture closures with an EXOSEAL VCD and had a follow-up femoral artery angiogram from June 2012 through August 2013 were reviewed. A blinded radiologist compared pre-deployment and follow-up femoral arteriograms for the presence of femoral artery stenosis, dissection, pseudoaneurysm, or development of an arteriovenous fistula. Hospital records were reviewed for major or minor complications of the groin site or femoral artery.

RESULTS

The EXOSEAL VCD achieved hemostasis, without evidence of a groin hematoma or requiring subsequent prolonged manual compression, in 400 of 441 closures following transfemoral arterial access, representing a device success rate of 90.7%. A total of 98 patients underwent 102 repeat angiograms following closure with the EXOSEAL VCD. The average time to the repeat angiogram was 73.5 days (range 0-488, median 28). Follow-up femoral arteriography demonstrated an irregularity in seven cases, all of which were vessel stenoses of <50%. There were no dissections, pseudoaneurysms, infections, or ischemic events in the study population.

CONCLUSIONS

Angiographic irregularities were seen in 6.86% of cases after closure with the EXOSEAL VCD. There were no clinically significant vascular complications. Thus, femoral artery closure with EXOSEAL carries a low risk of clinically significant delayed angiographic findings.

The Use of ExoSeal Vascular Closure Device for Direct Antegrade Superficial Femoral Artery Puncture Site Hemostasis

PURPOSE

This study was designed to assess the efficacy and safety of the ExoSeal vascular closure device (VCD) to achieve hemostasis in antegrade access of the superficial femoral artery (SFA).

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the outcome of ExoSeal VCD used for hemostasis in 110 accesses to the SFA in 93 patients between July 2011 and July 2013. All patients had patent proximal SFA based on computer tomography angiography or ultrasound duplex. Arterial calcifications at puncture site were graded using fluoroscopy. The SFA was accessed in an antegrade fashion with ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance. In all patients, 5-7F vascular sheaths were used. The ExoSeal VCD was applied to achieve hemostasis at the end of the procedure. All patients were clinically examined and had ultrasound duplex exam for any puncture site complications during the 24 h postprocedure.

RESULTS

In all procedures, the ExoSeal was applied successfully. We did not encounter any device-related technical failure. There were four major complications in four patients (3.6 %): three pseudoaneurysms, which were treated with direct thrombin injection, and one hematoma, which necessitated transfusion of two blood units. All patients with complications were treated with anticoagulation preprocedure or received thrombolytic therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

The ExoSeal VCD can be safely used for antegrade puncture of the SFA, with a high procedural success rate (100 %) and a low rate of access site complications (3.6 %).

Efficacy and time-to-hemostasis of antegrade femoral access closure using the ExoSeal vascular closure device: a retrospective single-center study

OBJECTIVE

To retrospectively evaluate the efficacy and time-to-hemostasis of antegrade femoral access closure using the ExoSeal vascular closure device (VCD).

DESIGN

Retrospective, single-center analysis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between September 2010 and February 2013, 148 ExoSeal VCD closures (5-7F) of antegrade femoral accesses were performed in 119 patients (70 males, mean age 71.6 years, range 40-97 years). In all cases initial diagnostic angiography was performed via an 18G/3.8F retrograde femoral access, which was left in place during intervention (in-house standard) and was used to obtain control angiography after successful closure of the antegrade access to determine hemostasis. Technical device success was defined as ExoSeal closure without major VCD-related complications; procedural success as hemostasis within 5 minutes. Statistical analysis was performed using a logistic regression model and correlation analyses.

RESULTS

145/148 (98.0%) ExoSeal closures were technically successful (5F: n = 76; 6F: n = 65; 7F: n = 7). Angiographic control showed closure after 2 minutes in 130/145 cases. In a further 14 cases hemostasis was achieved after an additional 3 minutes MC, so that closure was successful within 5 minutes in 144/148 cases (97.3%). No major complication occurred. One minor complication was recorded in a 6F access case. Pre-interventional activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) was the only statistically significant predictor of necessary manual compression (MC) > 2 minutes (p = .01), but with an odds-ratio of only 1.038. The INR showed an odds-ratio of 2.455 for need for 5 minutes MC (NS). Significant correlations were found between the need for 5 minutes MC and medication with acetylsalicylic acid (p = .01), clopidogrel (p < .01), and abciximab (p < .001).

CONCLUSION

ExoSeal vascular closure of antegrade femoral punctures is safe and effective with a low complication rate. Two minutes of MC are sufficient to achieve hemostasis in the majority of cases. However, in patients on antiplatelet therapy, especially after abciximab, the authors advocate prolonging MC to 5 minutes.

Feasibility of vascular access closure in arteries other than the common femoral artery using the ExoSeal vascular closure device

PURPOSE

To describe the feasibility of vascular access closure in arteries other than the common femoral artery (CFA) using the ExoSeal vascular closure device (VCD).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between December 2011 and August 2013, 8 patients (4 males, 4 females, mean age 64 years [range 42-81]) underwent 13 extrafemoral access site closure using the ExoSeal VCD (brachial artery n = 7, venous femoropopliteal bypass n = 3, femoropopliteal segment n = 2, proximal superficial femoral artery n = 1). Patient history, procedural characteristics, and complications were recorded.

RESULTS

Technical success was achieved in 12 of 13 VCD procedures. In 1 case of brachial puncture, safe plug-deployment was not possible, so manual compression was applied. In this case, angiographic and clinical control showed residual bleeding 5 min after the procedure. After additional manual compression for 5 min, the haemorrhage stopped, but a hematoma <3 cm was detectable (procedural success rate 12 of 13 closures). Overall no major complications were observed. Heparin, 5,000 IU, was administered in all cases. Six ExoSeal closures were performed under additional acetylsalicylic acid (ASS) and clopidogrel, three under additional ASS, and the remaining four under heparin only. International normalized ratio and thrombocytes were within normal values in all patients.

CONCLUSION

Successful vascular access closure using the ExoSeal VCD in puncture sites other than the CFA is feasible with a low complication rate. These applications, however, remain an "off-label" use in selected patients.

Percutaneous Vascular Closure System Based on an Extravascular, Bioabsorbable Polyglycolic Plug (ExoSeal): Results from 1000 Patients

PURPOSE

The objective of this prospective study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a percutaneous closure system based on a polyglycolic acid plug for achieving hemostasis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In this study from 2011 to 2014, a percutaneous vascular closure system (ExoSeal) was used in 1000 patients (mean age 70.6 ± 10.2 years), using antegrade and retrograde techniques within the context of an angiographic intervention. The system was used in conjunction with transfemoral approaches with a sheath size of 6F. Post the intervention (on the following day and after 6 weeks), follow-up was conducted clinically and using color-coded duplex ultrasound.

RESULTS

Immediate hemostasis was achieved in 939/1000 patients (93.9%). In the remaining 61 cases, a correct positioning of the polyglycolic acid plug was not possible because of malfunctioning of the device, massive vascular wall calcifications, postoperative scar tissue, or too steep a puncture angle. In these cases, manual compression was successful. There was one retroperitoneal bleeding requiring transfusion. Minor complications were observed (7.4% in total) with 10 pseudoaneurysm (1%), 63 inguinal hematomas (up to 3 cm; 6.3%), and 1 stenosis (0.1%).

CONCLUSION

Safe and effective hemostasis is possible with the percutaneous ExoSeal closure system at puncture sizes of 6F.