Decreased bed rest post-percutaneous coronary intervention with a 7-French arterial sheath and its effects on vascular complications

Effect of early ambulation on comfort and vascular complications following electrophysiological studies: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Imposed immobilization after electrophysiological studies (EPS) is known to cause different complications. The current study aims to assess the effect of early ambulation on comfort and vascular complications among patients undergoing transfemoral catheterization for EPS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Hundred participants were assigned to control and intervention groups (50 each) using block randomization. The control group participants were ambulated at 6 hours after EPS. For the intervention group, participants were kept in the supine position with procedure-side leg extension for the first 2 hours, followed by 30° head-end elevation and turning to the left/right side for 30 min, and finally ambulation at the end of 3 hours. Both groups were assessed for vital signs, groin and back pain, satisfaction, bleeding, hematoma, and bladder pattern at the 6th and 24th hour after EPS. Data analysis was done on an intention-to-treat basis using the Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, independent student t-test, and Mann-Whitney U test.

RESULTS

The level of back pain and groin pain was significantly lower in intervention group after 6 hours (P < 0.001) and after 24 hours (P < 0.05). Urinary problem was not reported in intervention group, whereas Eleven (22%), participants in the control group did not void at 6 hours (P < 0.001). Two patients in intervention group developed bleeding at 6 hours, and one patient in control group developed bleeding at 24 hours. Hematoma development was absent for both groups.

CONCLUSION

Early ambulation at 3 hours after EPS is suggested to reduce back pain, groin pain, and urinary problem, without risk for vascular complications.

Microfluidics-assisted optimization of highly adhesive haemostatic hydrogel coating for arterial puncture

Although common in clinical practice, bleeding after tissue puncture may cause serious outcomes, especially in arterial puncture. Herein, gelatin-tannic acid composite hydrogels with varying compositions are prepared, and their adhesive properties are further optimized in microfluidic channel-based simulated vessels for haemostasis in arterial puncture. It is revealed that the composite hydrogels on the syringe needles used for arterial puncture should possess underwater adhesion higher than 4.9 kPa and mechanical strength higher than 86.0 kPa. The needles coated with the gelatin-tannic acid composite hydrogel completely prevent blood loss after both vein and arterial puncture in different animal models. This study holds great significance for the preparation of haemostatic needles for vessel puncture, and gelatin-tannic acid hydrogel coated needles may help to prevent complications associated with arterial puncture.

•

Haemostatic needles were prepared with coating of gelatin-tannic acid hydrogel.

•

Microfluidic system was employed to optimize the underwater adhesion of gelatin-tannic acid hydrogel coating.

•

Needles coated with the gelatin-tannic acid hydrogel exhibited complete haemostasis after arterial puncture.