Vascular closure device failure: frequency and implications: a propensity-matched analysis

Percutaneous Closure Device for the Carotid artery: An integrated review and design analysis

Endovascular thrombectomies (EVTs) are the current standard of care therapy for treating acute ischemic strokes. While access through the femoral or radial arteries is routine, up to 20% of EVTs through these sites are unable to access the cerebral vasculature on the first pass. These shortcomings are commonly due to tortuous vasculature, atherosclerotic arteries, and type III aortic arch, seen especially in the elderly population. Recent studies have shown the benefits of accessing the cerebral vasculature through a percutaneous direct carotid puncture (DCP), which can reduce the time of the procedure by half. However, current vascular closure devices (VCDs) designed for the femoral artery are not suited to close the carotid artery due to the anatomical differences. This unmet clinical need further limits a DCP approach. Thus, to foster safe adoption of this potential approach, a VCD designed specifically for the carotid artery is needed. In this review, we outline the major biomechanical properties and shortcomings of current VCDs and propose the requirements necessary to effectively design and develop a carotid closure device.

Usage of rotational atherectomy and drug-coated balloon angioplasty for isolated popliteal artery lesions: two-year results of a retrospective study

OBJECTIVES

In this study, perioperative properties and early and mid-term clinical outcomes of endovascular revascularization with a combined usage of rotational atherectomy (RA) and drug-coated balloon angioplasty (DCB) angioplasty for isolated popliteal artery lesion were reported.

METHODS

A total of 28 patients with isolated popliteal artery stenosis who underwent combined RA and DCB angioplasty between December 2018 and September 2022 were analyzed retrospectively. Temren atherectomy system (Invamed, Ankara, Turkey) and Extender paclitaxel-coated drug-coated balloon catheter (Invamed, Ankara, Turkey) were used in all cases. The main outcome was primary patency; secondary outcomes were technical success, freedom from amputation, and mortality.

RESULTS

The mean age of patients was 64.2 ± 9.1 years and the majority of the patients were male (n = 20; 71.4%). Types of the lesions were total occlusion in 24 limbs and critical stenosis in 4 limbs. The mean total occlusion length was 65.2 ± 14.2 mm. Flow-limiting dissection was seen in lesions of 2 patients (7.1%) and treated with prolonged balloon dilatation without bail-out stenting requirement. Technical success defined as an adequate vascular lumen (less than 30% stenosis) was achieved in 26 (92.8%) with a mean follow-up of 17.2 ± 8.2 months. The mean primary patency rates at 12 months and 24 months were 92.3% ± 3.2 and 81.2% ± 3.2, respectively. Complications included 1 distal embolization following RA, 2 flow-limiting dissections, and 3 puncture site hematomas.

CONCLUSIONS

Endovascular procedures using combined RA and DCB angioplasty seem to be effective alternative treatment modalities for the treatment of popliteal artery lesions with high rates of primary patency and freedom from TLR.

Vascular Access in Percutaneous Coronary Intervention of Chronic Total Occlusions: A State-of-the-Art Review

The outcomes of chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention have considerably improved during the last decade with continued emphasis on improving procedural safety. Vascular access site bleeding remains one of the most frequent complications. Several procedural strategies have been implemented to reduce the rate of vascular access site complications. This state-of-the-art review summarizes and describes the current evidence on optimal vascular access strategies for chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention.

Cutting balloon for femoral arterial and venus obstructions due to suture-based closure devices: Case series

Suture-based vascular closure devices have been shown to be effective in hemostasis for procedures with vascular access. However, iatrogenic vascular occlusion may occur. The cutting balloon (CB) is a noncompliant balloon wrapped with 3-4 microsurgical blades that are intended to modify vascular lesions, but it may also be utilized to cut and release endovascular sutures. We report two cases in which the CB was employed as a bailout strategy to alleviate suture-related vascular occlusion after transcatheter aortic valve replacement. The CB can be effectively utilized to resolve suture-related vascular occlusion.

Strategies for Reducing Vascular and Bleeding Risk for Percutaneous Left Ventricular Assist Device-supported High-risk Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

In patients at high risk for haemodynamic instability during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), practitioners are increasingly opting for prophylactic mechanical circulatory support, such as the Impella® heart pump (Abiomed, Danvers, MA, USA). Though Impella-supported high-risk PCI (HRPCI) ensures haemodynamic stability during the PCI procedure, access-related complication rates have varied significantly in published studies. Reported variability in complication rates relates to many factors, including anticoagulation practices, access and closure strategy, post-procedure care and variations in event definitions. This article aims to outline optimal strategies to minimize vascular and bleeding complications during Impella-supported HRPCI based on previously identified clinical, procedural and postprocedural risk factors. Practices to reduce complications include femoral skills training, standardized protocols to optimize access, closure, anticoagulation management and post-procedural care, as well as the application of techniques and technological advances. Protocols integrating these strategies to mitigate access-related bleeding and vascular complications for Impella-supported procedures can markedly limit vascular access risk as a barrier to appropriate large-bore mechanical circulatory support use in HRPCI.

ULTrasound-guided TRAnsfemoral puncture in COmplex Large bORe PCI: study protocol of the UltraCOLOR trial

INTRODUCTION

Although recently published evidence favours transradial access (TRA) when using large-bore guiding catheters for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of complex coronary lesions, the femoral artery will still be used in a considerate proportion of patients undergoing complex PCI, especially in PCI of chronic total occlusions (CTO). Ultrasound-guided puncture of the femoral artery may reduce clinically relevant access site complications, but robust evidence is lacking up to date.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

A total of 542 patients undergoing complex PCI, defined as PCI of CTO, complex bifurcation, heavy calcified lesion or left main, in which the 7-F or 8-F transfemoral access is required, will be randomised to ultrasound-guided puncture or fluoroscopy-guided puncture. The primary outcome is the incidence of the composite end-point of clinically relevant access site related bleeding and/or vascular complications requiring intervention. Access site complications and major adverse cardiovascular events up to 1 month will also be compared between both groups.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethical approval for the study was granted by the local Ethics Committee ('Medisch Ethische Toetsing Commissie Isala Zwolle') for all Dutch sites, 'Comité Medische Ethiek Ziekenhuis Oost-Limburg' for Hospital Oost-Limburg, 'Comité d'éthique CHU-Charleroi-ISPPC' for Centre Hospilatier Universitaire de Charleroi and 'Ethik Kommission de Ärztekammer Nordrhein' for Elisabeth-Krankenhaus). The trial outcomes will be published in peer-reviewed journals of the concerned literature. The ultrasound guided transfemoral access in complex large bore PCI trial has been administered in the ClinicalTrials.gov database, reference number: NCT03846752.

REGISTRATION DETAILS

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03846752.

Comparison of Suture-Based and Collagen-Based Vascular Closure Devices for Large Bore Arteriotomies-A Meta-Analysis of Bleeding and Vascular Outcomes

BACKGROUND

Large bore access procedures rely on vascular closure devices to minimize access site complications. Suture-based vascular closure devices (S-VCD) such as ProGlide and ProStar XL have been readily used, but recently, newer generation collagen-based vascular closure devices (C-VCD) such as MANTA have been introduced. Data on comparisons of these devices are limited.

METHODS

PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane were searched for articles on vascular closure devices using keywords, ("Vascular closure devices" OR "MANTA" OR "ProStar XL" OR "ProGlide") AND ("outcomes") that resulted in a total of 875 studies. Studies were included if bleeding or vascular complications as defined by Valve Academic Research Consortium-2 were compared between the two types of VCDs. The event level data were pooled across trials to calculate the Odds Ratio (OR) with 95% CI, and analysis was done with Review Manager 5.4 using random effects model.

RESULTS

Pooled analyses from these nine studies resulted in a total of 3410 patients, out of which 2855 were available for analysis. A total of 1229 received C-VCD and 1626 received S- VCD. Among the patients who received C-VCD, the bleeding complications (major and minor) were similar to patients who received S-VCD ((OR: 0.70 (0.35-1.39), p = 0.31, I² = 55%), OR: 0.92 (0.53-1.61), p = 0.77, I² = 65%)). The vascular complications (major and minor) in patients who received C-VCD were also similar to patients who received S-VCD ((OR: 1.01 (0.48-2.12), p = 0.98, I² = 52%), (OR: 0.90 (0.62-1.30), p = 0.56, I² = 35%)).

CONCLUSIONS

Bleeding and vascular complications after large bore arteriotomy closure with collagen-based vascular closure devices are similar to suture-based vascular closure devices.

Real-world VASCADE closure device versus manual compression use and outcomes in patients with severe common femoral artery disease

BACKGROUND

The VASCADE closure device deploys an extravascular collagen plug. Its use in those with access site disease undergoing peripheral vascular intervention (PVI) is unknown. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the VASCADE closure device compared to manual compression (MC) in patients with moderate femoral access site disease.

METHODS

We performed a single-center, retrospective review of patients undergoing PVI with at least moderate access site disease. Our institutional database was linked to the Vascular Quality Initiative database, and 200 patients were selected from a 1:1 propensity-matched cohort. Data on procedural metrics and outcomes up to 30-days were abstracted.

RESULTS

There were 103 procedures that used VASCADE and 97 used MC. Baseline variables were similar between groups. The mean age was 68.2 ± 11.2 years and 37.6% were women. Closing mean activated clotting time (ACT) was shorter in VASCADE (198 s VASCADE vs. 213 s MC; p = 0.018). There was a nonsignificant decrease in external compression device use with VASCADE (VASCADE 19.0% vs. MC 28.1%; p = 0.15). At 30-days, there was a nonsignificant reduction in hematoma with VASCADE (3.8% vs. 7.8% MC; p = 0.25) and no difference in retroperitoneal bleeding (0.5%). Pseudoaneurysm rate was similar (1.3% VASCADE vs. 1.7% MC; p = 0.79). The 30-day mortality rate was similar between the two groups and not related to the procedure (1.3% VASCADE vs. 0.9% MC; p = 0.79).

CONCLUSION

In patients undergoing PVI with at least moderate access site disease, safety and efficacy after using VASCADE was comparable with MC.

Preclosure of large bore venous access sites in patients undergoing transcatheter mitral replacement and repair

OBJECTIVE

We aim to report on the efficacy and safety of large bore venous access (LBVA) preclosure with Perclose™ (Abbott Vascular Devices) suture-mediated device use following transcatheter edge-to-edge (TEER) and replacement (TMVR).

BACKGROUND

Patients requiring TEER and TMVR require LBVA. Clinical outcome data on the use of suture-mediated devices for LBVA site closure are limited.

METHODS

Between 2012 and 2019, 354 consecutive high-risk patients with mitral valvular heart disease underwent TEER (n = 287) with MitraClip and TMVR (n = 67) with Edwards Sapien Valves. Patients had LBVA with 24 or 16 French sheaths. All patients underwent preclosure of LBVA except for one that underwent manual hemostasis.

RESULTS

There were no closure device failures. None of the cases required surgical repair of the access site following venous preclosure. Two cases had large hematomas (>6 cm) following Perclose in each group. Six cases had small hematomas (<6 cm and >2 cm) with three in each group. There was one major bleeding using Mitral Valve Academic Research Consortium 2 definition (retroperitoneal bleed from arterial puncture) unrelated to the venous closure. Transfusion related to vascular access complication was required in five cases. There were two immediate acute deep venous thromboses postprocedure; one of which occurred after preclosure. There were no arteriovenous malformations, pseudoaneurysms, or access site infections reported following Perclose.

CONCLUSION

In this large sample size analysis, Proglide preclosure technique is a feasible and safe alternative approach to achieving hemostasis after removal of LBVA sheaths in patients undergoing TEER and TMVR. Randomized trials are needed to compare the different modalities of hemostasis.

Case series of closure devices complications

Vascular closure devices (VCD) are effective at achieving hemostasis. VCD failure is attributed to underlying arterial disease, leading to a hazardous situation for obtaining contralateral femoral access. Radial-to-peripheral (R2P) access has emerged as a safe option to rescue these procedural complications. Here, we present two cases of VCD failure rescue utilizing R2P and outline this approach step-by-step.

Comparison of MynxGrip vascular closure device and manual compression for closure after femoral access angiography: a randomized controlled trial: the closure devices used in every day practice study, CLOSE-UP III trial

Background

Complications related to femoral artery access for coronary angiography (CAG) is a safety concern. Vascular closure devices (VCDs) have been developed to reduce the rate of complications after femoral artery access. We compared the safety and efficacy of the MynxGrip VCD versus manual compression (MC) after femoral access CAG in a randomized controlled trial.

Methods

The study was a randomized, single center, non-blinded, two-arm non-inferiority trial. The study was stopped prematurely because of low inclusion rate.

Results

We randomized 869 patients to closure with the MynxGrip VCD or MC and 865 entered analyses. The incidence of the primary endpoint of major adverse vascular events (MAVE) after 30 days was 1.2% in the MynxGrip group and 0% in the MC group (p = 0.06). The median time to hemostasis was 4 [3:5] minutes and 10 [7:11] minutes in the MynxGrip group and MC group, respectively (p < 0.0001). The corresponding median times to mobilization was 73 [65:87] minutes and 76 [70:88] minutes (p = 0.01).

Conclusions

MAVE was rare after closure of femoral arterial access by both the MynxGrip VCD and MC. We found a numerical difference in favour of MC but this did not reach statistical significance. Time to hemostasis was shorter in the MynxGrip group when compared to the MC group.

Trial registration

The study was approved by the local medical ethics committee and registered at clinicaltrials.org (ClinicalTrials identifier: NCT02237430 11/09/2014).

Early ambulation after transfemoral diagnostic cerebral angiography: a pilot study

Background

A significant proportion of transfemoral cerebral angiography complications are related to the access site, with no clear consensus concerning the optimal closure technique. In this study, we examined the usefulness of a shortened closure protocol for transfemoral diagnostic cerebral angiography.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of patients who underwent transfemoral (4Fr sheath) diagnostic cerebral angiography procedures at our institution. We included patients > 18 years old who underwent the shortened closure protocol to achieve hemostasis at the access site. The shortened protocol entailed the use of nonocclusive manual compression for 15 min followed by 2 h of bed rest, with additional 10–15 min of compression for new hematoma. We collected and analyzed the patients’ demographics, use of antiplatelet and anticoagulation medications, sheath size, and others.

Results

The study cohort comprised 119 patients with a mean age was 54 years with (88%) females. Forty-one patients (34%) were on antiplatelet medications, with 12 (10%) on dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT). Four patients (3%) (two on DAPT, one on Aspirin alone, and one was not on any antiplatelet medication) had access site hematoma that required additional compression. Subgroup analysis showed that within the DAPT, Aspirin alone, and no antiplatelet medications groups, (17%), (3%), and (1%) of patients developed access site hematoma, respectively.

Conclusion

This pilot study demonstrates that our closure protocol for transfemoral angiograms is safe and effective. There was a trend toward higher access-site complications in patients on DAPT. Further studies are required to expand on and validate our results.

Ventral calcification in the common femoral artery: A risk factor for major transcatheter aortic valve intervention access site complications

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to identify risk factors for major transcatheter aortic valve intervention (TAVI) access site complications based on detailed analysis of the preprocedural computed tomography angiogram (CTA).

BACKGROUND

Transfemoral TAVI has become the treatment of choice for severe aortic stenosis in elderly patients, especially with increased perioperative risk. Frailty, however, favors complications at the vascular access site due to the large bore vascular sheath devices necessary for valve deployment.

METHODS

In this monocentric study, we retrospectively analyzed the preprocedural CTA of 417 consecutive patients that received transfemoral TAVI between 2015 and 2019 to quantify vessel diameter, calcification volume and calcified plaque location in detail within 10 cm proximal to the femoral bifurcation.

RESULTS

The mean age of the study cohort was 81.4 ± 6.5 years with a STS of 8 ± 5.2 representing a population at increased periprocedural risk. 54.4% of patients were female. Major vascular access site complications occurred in 8.2% of patients. Major vascular complications correlated statistically with a sheath-to-vessel diameter (SFAR) when measured 1 cm proximal to the femoral bifurcation using a line-derived diameter and ventral calcification within the first 5 cm proximal to the bifurcation. In contrast, overall calcification volume had no influence.

CONCLUSIONS

Transfemoral TAVI harbors a considerable risk for vascular access site complications especially if vessel diameter is too small to comfortably host the sheath diameter at the area of the femoral bifurcation. For preprocedural TAVI planning and risk assessment, location of calcification, especially if located ventrally, seems to be more relevant than consideration of overall calcification alone.

Current Practice of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Patients With Coagulation Disorders

Acute coronary artery disease represents the leading cause of death worldwide. Some studies have shown that coagulation disorders can play a protective role against ischemic heart disease, presumably due to hypocoagulable state and decrease thrombin formation. However, autopsy reports showed atherosclerotic lesions in some patients with hemophilia. Since the introduction of clotting factors and replacement therapies, the life expectancy of patients with coagulation disorders has increased significantly. As a result, the incidence of cardiovascular diseases became higher making their treatment more challenging. Door to balloon strategy applies in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), and percutaneous coronary intervention should not be delayed. While in non-STEMI (NSTEMI) and unstable angina, a hematology consult is essential. Prophylactic coagulation factor replacement is crucial in these patients in order to avoid bleeding complications, but on the other hand, these factors were also associated with thrombotic complications. Historically, bare-metal stents were preferred over drug-eluting stents in view of the shorter duration of dual antiplatelets therapy (DAPT). Currently, some trials have demonstrated the safety of new-generation drug-eluting stents in patients with elevated bleeding risk, where DAPT use is limited to four weeks. The radial artery is the preferred access and was found to have less bleeding complications when compared to the femoral access. Anticoagulation with heparin is the safest in view of antidote availability and shorter half-life. Bivalirudin has also been used in some case reports, while GP2b3a inhibitors are usually avoided except in a high thrombus burden. Close peri procedural follow-up is important with patient education about symptoms of bleed. Carefully and individually tailored antithrombotic and factor replacement therapy is required to overcome these clinically challenging situations. Early screening for cardiovascular risk factors and considering early intervention and management might help to improve the general health status of this population and reduce morbidity.

Preoperative Risk Factors for Access Site Failure in Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Treatment of TASC C and D Aorto-Iliac Occlusive Disease

BACKGROUND

At our institution, we adopted routinely ultrasound guided approach for all percutaneous procedures. The objective of this study was to describe the predictors of access site failures (ASFs) in patients undergoing percutaneous aorto iliac revascularization and to also evaluate whether other factors such as time period or different vascular devices may influence outcomes in terms of ASFs.

METHODS

We reviewed all consecutive percutaneous revascularizations performed for aortoiliac occlusion or stenosis at our institution from 2011 to 2020. All procedure were performed using an ultrasound (US) guided common femoral access. The primary outcome was ASFs, defined as bleeding or groin hematomas that required transfusions; pseduoaneurysm (diagnosed by US); retroperitoneal hematoma; artery laceration or ruptured (diagnosed intraoperatively); and thrombosis. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine predictors of ASFs.

RESULTS

A total of 502 femoral arteries were accessed under DUS guidance with no failure in sheath placement. Technical success was achieved in 498 of 502 procedures (99.2%). ASFs occurred in 21 patients (7%); but year of procedure appear to be associated with an excess of ASFs as rates were different between the first and second period of the study (10.9% vs. 4.8%, P = 0.04). Results of multivariable logistic regression model indicated that independent predictors of ASFs were common femoral artery (CFA) calcification peripheral artery calcium scoring system (PACCS) grade (odds ratio [OR], 8.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 5.5-13.7), and CFA diameter (OR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.25-0.85). Compared to patients with successful percutaneous access, ASFs resulted in longer post-op lengths of stay (P = < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Percutaneous US guided access can be safely performed in patients undergoing endovascular procedures for aorto iliac revascularization with TASC C and D lesions. CFA calcification PACCS grade greater than 3 and smaller femoral vessel diameter are independent risk factors for ASFs.

Manta versus Perclose ProGlide vascular closure device after transcatheter aortic valve implantation: Initial experience from a large European center

BACKGROUND

Vascular and bleeding complications are common after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and are associated with worse outcomes. The plug-based Manta (M) vascular closure device (VCD) is a novel option to achieve haemostasis for large-bore arterial access sites.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to compare vascular and bleeding complications between the M-VCD and the established suture-based Perclose ProGlide (P)-VCD.

METHODS

From February to September 2019 a total of 578 patients underwent transfemoral TAVI at a single high-volume centre. Access site closure was performed using M-VCD in 195 patients (33.7%) and P-VCD in 383 patients (66.3%). We assessed vascular and access site-related complications as well as bleeding events according to the Valve Academic Research Consortium-2 definition.

RESULTS

Overall vascular complications occurred less frequently in the M-VCD group (10.7% vs. 19.0%, p = 0.011) driven by a significantly lower rate of major vascular events (2.0% vs. 6.5%, p = 0.025). Access site-related complications were significantly less frequent in the M-VCD cohort (10.7% vs. 16.6%, p = 0.048). The M-VCD was associated with significantly lower rates of major (0.5% vs. 4.4%, p = 0.009) and life-threatening bleeding (0% vs. 2.3%, p = 0.032). In multivariable analysis, the use of M-VCD was the only independent predictor of vascular complications (odds ratio 0.54, 95% confidence interval 0.32-0.91, p = 0.022).

CONCLUSIONS

The M-VCD was associated with a reduction of vascular and access-site complications as well as severe bleeding after transfemoral TAVI compared to the P-VCD in this observational study.

Temporal Trends in in-Hospital Bleeding and Transfusion in a Contemporary Canadian ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patient Population

Background

Although ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) management has evolved substantially over the past decade, its effect on bleeding and transfusion rates are largely unknown in a contemporary population.

Methods

Our study cohort included patients 20 years of age or older who were hospitalized for STEMI between 2007 and 2016 across all Canadian provinces, except Quebec. Unadjusted rates of bleeding and of transfusion during STEMI episodes were calculated overall and for each province according to fiscal year. Patients were stratified into 4 groups according to their bleeding/transfusion. Characteristics, treatment, and outcomes were compared between groups. Multivariate logistic regression modelling was used to assess the association between bleeding and transfusion on in-hospital mortality.

Results

Using 108,832 STEMI episodes, rates of in-hospital bleeding and transfusion declined between 2007 and 2016 from 3.9% to 2.8% (P < 0.0001) and 4.7% to 3.8% (P < 0.0001), respectively. However, variation in bleeding and transfusion rates were observed across Canadian provinces. Patients with bleeding or transfusion, were older, female, and had more comorbidities. Compared with patients who did not bleed or receive a transfusion, individuals who bled, were transfused, or bled and were transfused, had higher in-hospital mortality (18.6%, 30.3%, and 30.4%, respectively [P < 0.0001]). The association remained after adjustment: bleeding (odds ratio [OR], 2.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.8-2.4), transfusion (OR, 4.4; 95% CI, 3.9-4.9), and bleeding and transfusion (OR, 3.8; 95% CI, 3.2-4.6).

Conclusions

The proportion of Canadian STEMI patients who experienced in-hospital bleeding and transfusion has decreased over the past 9 years. However, patients with bleed or transfusion remain at higher risk of adverse outcomes.

A novel technique for postclosure of large-bore sheaths using two Perclose devices

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to assess the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of a novel percutaneous postprocedure closure technique for large arterial sheath removal with the use of two Perclose ProGlide (Abbott Vascular Devices, Redwood City, CA) devices.

BACKGROUND

Postprocedural closing of large-bore arteriotomies using the Perclose system can be difficult given the subsequent inability of the device to capture sufficient wall tissue.

METHODS

Our study was a single-center retrospective analysis of 22 consecutive patients who underwent large arteriotomy closure via the postclosure technique with a 12-16-Fr sheath. Efficacy endpoints included successful deployment of the system and hemostasis. Safety endpoints included the incidence of major or minor vascular complications as defined by the Vascular Academic Research Consortium-2 (VARC-2) definitions at 30-day follow-up.

RESULTS

The postclosure technique resulted in 100% technical success rate and no postprocedural bleeding or vascular complications.

CONCLUSION

Postclosure technique is a safe, highly effective, and feasible percutaneous method to achieve large-bore arteriotomy hemostasis with low rates of major bleeding or vascular complications and favorable early outcome.

Femoral artery access site closure with perclose suture mediated device in coronary interventions

Objective

To compare the outcome of suture mediated vascular closure device Perclose Proglide (PP) with manual compression (MC) following transfemoral access for coronary interventions (CI).

Methods

It is a retrospective, observational, single centre study from January 2018 to September 2019. Consecutive patients undergoing interventions through transfemoral access were divided into PP and MC groups. Those with less than 3 months follow up were excluded. Two groups were compared for baseline characteristics and various complications at 24 h and at 30 days.

Results

Out of 1743 patients studied, PP group included 1343 and MC group, 400 patients. Both groups were comparable in baseline characteristics, sheath size and use of antiplatelets and anticoagulation. PP group had significantly less minor bleeding (P = .01, CI 0.34–4.03) and hematoma (P = .0007, CI 0.95–5.10) at 24 h. At 30 days, minor bleeding (P < .0001, CI 0.97–4.25), hematoma (P = .0002, CI 1.05–4.93) and pseudo-aneurysm (P = .0095, CI 0.03–1.18) were also significantly less in PP group. Obesity (OR 3.5, CI 1.29–9.49) and hypertension (OR 2.41, CI 1.12–5.19) were associated with increased minor bleeding at 24 h. Device failure rate was 2.38%.

Conclusions

PP device is safe, effective and is associated with fewer complications than MC in CI. Device failure rate is low. Obesity and hypertension are associated with increased minor bleeding in both groups.

Computed tomography angiographic anatomical features for successful transbrachial insertion of a balloon guide catheter for mechanical thrombectomy in acute ischemic stroke

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:

When the femoral approach for mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is limited, trans-brachial or-radial access is an alternative. However, transbrachial insertion of a 9Fr (outer diameter [OD]) balloon guide catheter (BGC) into the carotid artery is not feasible. Computed tomographic (CT) angiography (CTA) may provide vascular anatomical information for successful insertion. We investigated CTA anatomical features for successful transbrachial insertion of a 9Fr BGC into the carotid artery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

We analyzed AIS patients who underwent CTA and transbrachial MT using a 9Fr BGC between 2014 and 2016. We evaluated the successful insertion rate and CT angiographic anatomical features.

RESULTS:

Twenty-four patients met our inclusion criteria. We achieved successful insertion in 18 (75%) of 24 cases: 7 (58.3%) of 12 for left carotid arteries and 11 (91.7%) of 12 for right carotid arteries. Successful insertion was achieved in 4 of 4 bovine aortic arch for left carotid occlusion and in 3 of 8 nonbovine aortic arches for left carotid occlusion. We achieved successful insertion in 3 nonbovine cases with takeoff angles ≥23° and failed insertion in 5 cases with takeoff angles <23°. We achieved successful insertion in 10 of the 10 cases with takeoff angles ≥25° in the right common carotid artery. The BGC was broken in 1 of 2 cases with takeoff angles <25°.

CONCLUSIONS:

The CTA provided a high likelihood of successful 9Fr OD BGC insertion without an introducer sheath. Successful transbrachial insertion was achieved in bovine left carotid cases, in nonbovine left carotid cases with takeoff angles ≥23°, and in right carotid cases with takeoff angles ≥25°.

Endovascular Management of Superficial Femoral Artery Occlusion Secondary to Embolization of Celt ACD® Vascular Closure Device

Patient: Male, 70-year-old

Final Diagnosis: Embolization of vascular closure device

Symptoms: Claudication

Medication: —

Clinical Procedure: Angioplasty

Specialty: Radiology

Angio-Seal Vascular Closure Related Acute Limb Ischemia: A Case Report

Vascular Closure Devices (VCD) are routinely used in cardiac catheterization and other endovascular procedures in order to achieve immediate post-procedural hemostasis and sealing of the femoral artery puncture site. Unlike manual compression, VCD encompass a broad range of devices, with varying mechanisms, that offer the advantage of achieving rapid hemostasis, increased patient comfort and mobility, decreased reliance on hospital staff resources, and facilitate earlier hospital discharge. Complications of VCD have been well-described and include embolization, arterial occlusion, infection, or vascular obstruction. Here, we describe a case in which the Angio-Seal device was utilized during an elective cardiac catheterization resulted in acute lower extremity ischemia.

Avoiding peripheral nerve injury in arterial interventions

Although peripheral nerve injuries secondary to angiography and endovascular interventions are uncommon and usually not permanent, they can result in significant functional impairment. Most arteries used in access for angiography and endovascular therapies lie in close proximity to a nerve. The nerve may be injured by needle puncture, or by compression from hematoma, pseudoaneurysm, hemostasis devices, or by manual compression with incidence in literature ranging from as low as 0.04% for femoral access in a large retrospective study to 9% for brachial and axillary access. Given the increasing frequency of endovascular arterial procedures and the increasing use of nontraditional access points, it is important that the interventionalist have a working knowledge of peripheral nerve anatomy and function as it relates to relevant arterial access sites to avoid injury.

Development of a Catheterization and Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Registry with a Data Management Approach: A Systematic Review

Coronary catheterization is the gold standard for diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular conditions. The development of a catheterization and percutaneous coronary intervention (CathPCI) registry considering key steps of data management has a pivotal role in coronary catheterization because it could help improve CathPCI approaches, develop equipment and devices, and minimize complications of the CathPCI procedure. Data management comprises data gathering, data processing, and information distribution. Data gathering involves the collection of data elements, including demographics, episode of care, history and relevant risk factors, visits to the catheterization laboratory, diagnosis of cardiac catheterization, estimation of the coronary arterial anatomy, percutaneous coronary intervention procedures, lesions, devices, outcomes, and discharge. Data processing is performed with respect to the number of procedures performed in different circumstances, the outcomes of the performed procedures, improvement in the healthcare approach, development of devices and equipment, and the quality of the performed procedures. Information distribution involves the sharing of information and making information accessible to researchers and clinicians, relevant health care managers, and manufacturers of medical devices and equipment. This study reviewed relevant English-language publications regarding cardiac catheterization registries, data collection, data processing, and information distribution, regardless of the date of publication.

Endovascular Trapping of Large Cervical Carotid Pseudoaneurysm in Marfan Syndrome Presenting with Progressive Respiratory Distress

BACKGROUND

Isolated cervical pseudoaneurysms of the internal carotid artery (ICA) in patients with Marfan syndrome are extremely rare.

CASE DESCRIPTION

A 73-year-old female with Marfan syndrome and history of multiple aortic aneurysms presented to an outside hospital with dysphagia, a mass in her neck, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. A computed tomography angiogram showed bilateral cervical ICA pseudoaneurysms, more significant on the right side. A laryngoscopy demonstrated edematous vocal cords and a significant mass effect on the right side. She suffered from significant respiratory distress and aspiration, for which she had to be intubated and transferred to our institution for definitive care. The patient was taken for angiography for carotid artery test occlusion and endovascular trapping with coils and onyx embolization of the carotid pseudoaneurysm. The hospital course was complicated with femoral closure device failure, leading to groin hematoma, pneumonia, and respiratory failure requiring tracheostomy and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy. The patient was discharged to rehabilitation 34 days after admission. Stable exclusion of the large right pseudoaneurysm was observed at 3 months' follow-up with computed tomography angiography, as well as significant improvement in the last clinical follow-up obtained 6 months after the procedure.

CONCLUSION

Pseudoaneurysms of the cervical ICA associated with Marfan syndrome are rare. Carotid test occlusion and endovascular permanent embolization are possible in a patient with life-threatening symptoms. Cautious use of vascular closure devices, especially collagen plug-based ones, are required in such patients, given their abnormal extracellular matrix structure.

Stenosis Caused by Suture-Mediated Vascular Closure Device in an Angiographic Normal Common Femoral Artery: Its Mechanism and Management

Vascular closing devices (VCDs) are widely used to replace manual compression at the femoral puncture site and to reduce the discomfort of patients undergoing percutaneous coronary procedure by shortening bed rest. Among the vascular complications related to these devices, the femoral artery stenosis or occlusion is rarely reported, and its standard management is not well established. We report a case of symptomatic femoral artery stenosis caused by suture-mediated VCD and managed using rotational atherectomy device and balloon angioplasty. In addition, we propose the possible mechanisms for this complication.

Successful surgical retrieval of Celt ACD® vascular closure device embolised in the tibioperoneal trunk

Background

This report presents a case of surgical retrieval of a Celt ACD® vascular closure device (VCD) situated in the tibioperoneal trunk, following a failed attempt at deployment. Existing literature mostly recommends an endovascular approach when attempting to retrieve embolised VCDs.

Case presentation

A 55 year old male presented with right sudden right lower limb pain and numbness 1 week following a successful left retrograde superficial femoral artery (SFA) angioplasty. Computed tomography (CT) angiogram revealed that the Celt ACD® VCD had embolised in the right tibioperoneal trunk. An endovascular approach was initially attempted to retrieve the VCD; however, this was unsuccessful due to the small diameter of the target artery. Due to the failure of the endovascular approach, surgical exploration of the right tibioperoneal trunk was undertaken, which led to the successful retrieval of the embolised VCD.

Conclusion

The case presented herein demonstrates the critical need for swift and decisive surgical exploration of patients with suspected embolisation of Celt ACD® devices in smaller distal arteries. Our experience has led to the recommendation that, due to the sharp edges of the Celt ACD® accompanied with the small diameter of the occluded vessels, surgical exposure and retrieval is the safest option if endovascular retrieval is unsuccessful.

Safety and Efficacy of Femoral Artery Closure with the FemoSeal Device After Cerebral Thrombectomy Using an 8 French Sheath

PURPOSE

To evaluate the feasibility and safety of using the FemoSeal vascular closure device (VCD) to seal 8F access sites during mechanical thrombectomy for stroke.

METHODS

A retrospective review of a prospective database was undertaken to evaluate the safety and efficacy of femoral arterial closure using FemoSeal device in all patients who underwent mechanical thrombectomy using an 8F sheath between January 2015 and July 2017. Efficacy endpoints were the successful deployment of the system and haemostasis success. Safety endpoints included the incidence of in hospital access site haematoma >5 cm, bleeding complications, pseudoaneurysms, arteriovenous fistula, infection, or other complications requiring surgery.

RESULTS

197 patients (96 men; mean age 68 years, range 25-99) were included. Successful haemostasis with FemoSeal was obtained in 98.9% of the patients. Only one haematoma >5 cm (0.5%) was observed, which reabsorbed spontaneously without issue. Nine haematomas <5 cm (4.5%) were also found. No major complications requiring surgical repair or transfusion were observed. There were no pseudoaneurysms, arteriovenous fistulae, or infections.

CONCLUSION

The use of the FemoSeal device to close an 8F access sheath puncture site is feasible and safe, with a low complication rate.

Relationship Between Femoral Vascular Closure Devices and Short-Term Mortality From 271 845 Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Procedures Performed in the United Kingdom Between 2006 and 2011: A Propensity Score-Corrected Analysis From the British Cardiovascular Intervention Society

BACKGROUND

The impact of vascular closure devices (VCDs) via the femoral arterial access site on short-term mortality in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention is currently unknown.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The association between femoral arterial vascular access site management (manual pressure [including external clamp] versus VCD) and 30-day mortality was examined in a national real-world registry of 271 845 patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention for elective, non-ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction and ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction indications in the United Kingdom between 2006 and 2011. Crude and propensity score-corrected analyses were performed using Cox regression, with additional analyses undertaken in clinically relevant subgroups; 40.1% (n=109 001) of subjects were treated with manual pressure and 59.9% (n=162 844) with VCD. Subjects treated with VCD had fewer comorbidities and were less likely to present with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction and cardiogenic shock (P<0.001). Crude 30-day mortality was lower in the group treated with VCD compared with manual pressure (hazard ratio [HR], 0.58; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.54-0.61; 1.4% versus 2.4%, log rank P<0.0001), findings that were substantially reduced but persisted after propensity score correction (HR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.86-0.97; 1.8% versus 2.0% versus P<0.001). A more pronounced association of VCD with a reduction in 30-day mortality was evident in females (HR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.77-0.94; Pinteraction=0.037), presentation with acute coronary syndrome (HR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.83-0.94; Pinteraction=0.0027), or recent lysis (HR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.40-1.01; Pinteraction=0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

When compared with manual pressure, VCD was associated with a minor short-term (30-day) prognostic benefit after propensity score correction in the global population and clinically relevant subgroups. The potential for residual confounding factors impacting on short-term mortality cannot be excluded, despite the study having measured and balanced all recorded confounder factors.

The CLOSER trial: a multi-center study on the clinical safety and effectiveness of CloserTM VSS, a novel resorbable transfemoral vascular access sealing system

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the Closer Vascular Sealing System (VSS) against prespecified performance goals (PGs) in sealing femoral arterial access following 5-7 Fr procedures.

BACKGROUND

Inconsistent safety profiles, costs and learning curves of earlier generation vascular closure devices have limited their widespread use following transfemoral procedures.

METHODS

In this prospective single-arm, multi-center trial, we compared the clinical outcomes in patients undergoing 5-7 Fr transfemoral diagnostic or interventional procedures and access sites managed with Closer VSS against pre-specified PGs. The primary endpoints were time to hemostasis (TTH) and 30-day access site closure-related major complications; secondary endpoints included time to ambulation (TTA), time to discharge eligibility (TTDE), time to discharge (TTD), 30-day access site minor complications, procedure and device success.

RESULTS

A total of 220 subjects (49.5% interventional) were enrolled. The mean TTH was 1.78 ± 7.81 min in the intention to treat and 0.98 ± 3.71 min in the per protocol cohort. Median TTH was 0 min with immediate hemostasis achieved in 80.5% of subjects, mean TTA was 2.50 ± 1.05 hr, and mean TTDE was 2.83 ± 1.54 hr. Thirty-day follow-up was completed on 219 subjects. There were no access site closure-related major complications, minor complication rate was 0.0% for diagnostic and 2.75% for interventional procedures.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients undergoing 5-7 Fr transfemoral diagnostic and interventional procedures, the CLOSER Trial met both its primary effectiveness and safety PGs. Immediate hemostasis was achieved in the majority of patients without major complication.

A Retrospective Analysis of Surgical Femoral Artery Closure Techniques: Conventional versus Purse Suture Technique

BACKGROUND

Different techniques have been reported for the exploration and repair of femoral artery (FA) in patients who undergo minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS) and endovascular aortic surgery. We used a modified approach alternative to the conventional technique (group CT) since May 2013, which specifies a shorter groin incision and diamond-shaped hemostatic purse sutures for arteriotomy closure without the requirement of cross-clamping (group PT [purse suture technique]) and evaluated early outcomes and the complication profiles of the 2 techniques for femoral access.

METHODS

In our clinic, between May 2011 and December 2015, 503 FA cannulations were performed on 345 patients who underwent MICS (n = 109, mean age 64.1 ± 17.6 years, female/male ratio 71/38), endovascular abdominal aneurysm repair (n = 158, mean age 71.3 ± 10.2 years, female/male ratio 63/95), thoracal endovascular aneurysm repair (n = 50, mean age 65.0 ± 15.3 years, female/male ratio 15/35), and transaortic valve implantation (n = 28, mean age 80.8 ± 5.9 years, female/male ratio 13/15). A total of 295 FAs were exposed via mini incision and were repaired with the PT. We compared the duration of femoral closure (FC), wound infection, and vascular complications including bleeding hematoma, thromboembolic and ischemic events, pseudoaneurysm, seroma, surgical reintervention rates, delayed hospital stay for groin complications, and existence of postoperative local luminal narrowing (LLN) at the intervention site over 25% for both groups.

RESULTS

FC time (CT 14.9 ± 3.16 min, PT 6.5 ± 1.12 min, P < 0.0001), bleeding hematoma frequency (CT 6.2%, PT 1.7%, P = 0.01), and prolonged hospital stay for groin complications (CT 14.9%, PT 3.4%, P < 0.0001) were significantly lower in the PT group. Rate of technical success (CT 80.3%, PT 87.4%, P = 0.03) and event-free patient (CT 66.1%, PT 77.5%, P = 0.03) were significantly better in the PT group. There were no differences between groups in terms of ischemic events, wound infection rates, development of pseudoaneurysm and seroma, surgical reintervention rates, and LLN of FA over 25% at 6-month duplex evaluation.

CONCLUSIONS

The comparison of the 2 approaches revealed the advantages of the PT in terms of bleeding hematoma and shortening in FC time and the length of hospital stay. We suggest performing a smaller skin incision for FA access and utilizing purse sutures, which allows completing the procedure without cross-clamping, thus providing a favorable approach and excellent comfort for the surgeon.

Learning curve estimation in medical devices and procedures: hierarchical modeling

In the use of medical device procedures, learning effects have been shown to be a critical component of medical device safety surveillance. To support their estimation of these effects, we evaluated multiple methods for modeling these rates within a complex simulated dataset representing patients treated by physicians clustered within institutions. We employed unique modeling for the learning curves to incorporate the learning hierarchy between institution and physicians and then modeled them within established methods that work with hierarchical data such as generalized estimating equations (GEE) and generalized linear mixed effect models. We found that both methods performed well, but that the GEE may have some advantages over the generalized linear mixed effect models for ease of modeling and a substantially lower rate of model convergence failures. We then focused more on using GEE and performed a separate simulation to vary the shape of the learning curve as well as employed various smoothing methods to the plots. We concluded that while both hierarchical methods can be used with our mathematical modeling of the learning curve, the GEE tended to perform better across multiple simulated scenarios in order to accurately model the learning effect as a function of physician and hospital hierarchical data in the use of a novel medical device. We found that the choice of shape used to produce the 'learning-free' dataset would be dataset specific, while the choice of smoothing method was negligibly different from one another. This was an important application to understand how best to fit this unique learning curve function for hierarchical physician and hospital data. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Long Term Outcome after Application of the Angio-Seal Vascular Closure Device in Minipigs

Minipigs are frequently used in (neuro-)interventional research. Longitudinal experiments may require repeated vessel access via the femoral artery. Anticoagulation and incompliance of the animals necessitates the use of a vascular closure device (VCD). The effects of the Angio-Seal VCD in minipigs were longitudinally assessed. Minipig (42±8.4 kg body weight) femoral arteries were sealed using the 8F (n = 6) or 6F (n = 7) Angio-Seal VCD. The pre-interventional femoral artery diameter was 5.1±0.4 mm (4.3–5.8 mm). Sealed puncture sites were analysed angiographically as well as by computed tomography angiography (CTA) for a mean period of 14.1±8.0 weeks (1–22 weeks). All animals were constantly treated with acetylsalicylic acid (ASS) (450 mg/d (n = 7) or 100 mg/d (n = 1)) and clopidogrel (75 mg/d (n = 8)). Non-instrumented (n = 2) and arteries sealed using the VCD (n = 2) were examined histologically. No postoperative hemorrhagic complications were observed. Three arteries were occluded after VCD placement (1 animal diagnosed after 4 weeks (8F), 2 animals after 1 week (6F)) and remained so until the end of the experiments after 22, 12 and 4 weeks, respectively. In one artery a 50% stenosis 8 weeks after application of a 6F Angio-Seal was detected. In 69.2% (n = 9) the VCD was applied without complications. Histopathological analysis of the sealed arterial segments showed subtotal obliteration of the vessel lumen, formation of collagenous tissue and partial damage of the internal elastic lamina. The Angio-Seal VCD prevents relevant hemorrhagic complications in minipigs treated with dual platelet inhibition, but is associated with increased vessel occlusion rates.

Acute limb ischemia caused by incorrect deployment of a clip-based arterial closure device

Failure of a vascular closure device most commonly results in a hemorrhage or pseudoaneurysm formation. In this paper a rare case of severe acute limb ischemia following incorrect deployment of a clip-based closure device (Starclose SE, Abbott Vascular) in a 31-year-old woman is presented. Symptoms of acute limb ischemia occurred at the start of the ambulation, 6 h after completion of the procedure. Because of the severity of ischemia the patient was treated surgically, and limb perfusion was successfully restored. An attempt of closure of an inadvertently punctured narrow superficial femoral artery was identified as the cause of this complication.

Simplified swift and safe vascular closure device deployment without a local arteriogram: Single center experience in 2074 consecutive patients

Objective

Vascular closure devices (VCDs), such as the Angio-Seal, a three-component hemostatic plug, have greatly facilitated the routine clinical practice in the catheterization laboratory. The manufacturer recommends a local angiogram before Angio-Seal deployment. However, from the outset, we employed a simplified routine of deploying this VCD, i.e. without use of local angiography.

Methods

The Angio-Seal was employed without a preceding femoral arteriogram over 8 years in 2074 consecutive patients, 72% presenting with acute coronary syndromes and subjected to coronary angiography (n = 1032) or PCI n = 1042) via a transfemoral approach with use of heparin and dual antiplatelet therapy.

Results

Deployment of the VCD was successful in 99.4%. Complete hemostasis was obtained in 98% of cases. In 14 patients, Angio-Seal deployment failed. Mean time for placement of Angio-Seal was <1 min, to-hemostasis 1 min, and to-mobilization 3 h. Only 3 (0.15%) patients had a major complication with vessel occlusion that required emergent vascular surgery with a successful outcome. Two patients developed a local pseudoaneurysm treated with ultrasonography-guided compression. Six small and 4 large inguinal hematomas (one requiring blood transfusion) and 5 cases of retroperitoneal bleeding (one requiring blood transfusion) were recorded.

Conclusion

Deployment of Angio-Seal without use of local angiography was efficacious and safe, characterized by a high success rate of deployment and hemostasis with few correctable complications in a large patient cohort undergoing transfemoral catheterization for PCI and non-PCI procedures under anticoagulation and antiplatelet drug therapy. VCD reduced the time-to-hemostasis and time-to-mobilization and minimized the incidence of complications.

Successful Use of the MYNXGRIP Closure Device during Repeated Transbrachial Percutaneous Peripheral Intervention

The use of closure devices after transbrachial arterial puncture is still controversial. Here we report on a case where the MYNXGRIP (AccessClosure Inc., Santa Clara, CA, USA) could be used successfully in a patient, who underwent percutaneous peripheral arterial intervention twice via transbrachial access.

Collagen plug-based vascular closure devices do not decrease vascular and bleeding complications occurring after balloon aortic valvuloplasty

BACKGROUND

The benefits of vascular closure devices (VCDs) in the prevention of vascular complications after femoral intervention remain controversial.

AIM

To evaluate the efficiency of collagen plug-based VCDs in the prevention of femoral access complications after balloon aortic valvuloplasty.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective analysis of consecutive patients who underwent balloon aortic valvuloplasty by femoral retrograde technique in our centre between 2009 and 2012. Group 1 included 75 patients in whom femoral puncture haemostasis was obtained with the use of an 8F collagen plug-based VCD (Angio-Seal™; Saint-Jude Medical, Inc.); group 2 included 105 patients who had manual or mechanical groin compression (FemoStop™; RADI Medical Systems, Inc.). We did not use heparin during the procedure. We collected data on major in-hospital adverse events, major bleeding (Bleeding Academic Research Consortium classification≥3) and vascular access complications.

RESULTS

We included 180 patients with severe and symptomatic aortic stenosis. Indications for valvuloplasty were mainly bridge to transcatheter aortic valve implantation or palliative therapy (72%). The groups were similar in terms of median age, lower limb artery disease and body mass index. Vascular and bleeding complications occurred in 11.1% of patients and were not decreased with the use of VCDs (relative risk 2.60, 95% confidence interval 1.10-3.09; P=0.05). These findings were consistent across all prespecified subgroups. Duration of hospital stay was not reduced by VCDs.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the results of this study, performed with small-size sheaths and without heparin, collagen plug-based VCDs increase femoral access complications following aortic valvuloplasty. Systematic use of VCDs in elderly patients, with probable advanced limb atherosclerosis, is questionable.

Predicting and preventing vascular complications following percutaneous coronary intervention in women

The development of vascular complications is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. While the incidence of percutaneous coronary intervention-related vascular complications has greatly improved over time, female sex still persists as a significant and independent predictor of periprocedural vascular complications, which in turn is associated with a greater risk of short- and long-term mortality. This review provides a contemporary overview of the data on the important issues regarding the risk of percutaneous coronary intervention in women. It examines the intrinsic sex-related factors that may be contributing to women's heightened bleeding risk while also examining the various pharmacologic and procedural bleeding avoidance strategies currently in the literature, with a focus on their potential role and benefit in women specifically.

Pre-closure of Large-Sized Arterial Access Sites in Adults Undergoing Transcatheter Structural Interventions

Introduction

Patients undergoing structural heart interventions often require large-sized sheath insertion into femoral arteries and veins. Clinical outcome data on the use of suture-mediated devices for large femoral arterial access in structural heart interventions is limited. We assessed the efficacy of the Perclose™ (Abbott Vascular Devices, Santa Clara, CA, USA) suture-mediated device using the pre-closure technique in achieving hemostasis in femoral arterial access sites following large sheath insertion (≥8 Fr).

Methods

One hundred consecutive patients underwent 101 femoral artery access sites closures with the Perclose device using the pre-closure technique. Sixty-two percent of the patients were male and their mean (SD) age was 52 (±26) years. All patients received heparin.

Results

Mean arterial access site sheath diameter was 13 ± 2 Fr. Immediate hemostasis was achieved in 96/101 (96%) procedures (≤2 min). Two patients (2%) had access site-related complications requiring further interventions. On clinical follow up [mean (SD) follow-up of 24 (±12) months and median follow-up of 8.5 months], no complications were seen in the arterial access sites.

Conclusion

Pre-closure of large-size femoral arterial access sheath sites using the suture-mediated Perclose device is efficacious in achieving rapid hemostasis in patients undergoing structural interventions. On 1-year follow-up, there were no arterial access site complications requiring further investigations or interventions.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s40119-014-0034-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Routine use of ultrasound-guided access reduces access site-related complications after lower extremity percutaneous revascularization

OBJECTIVE

We sought to elucidate the risks for access site-related complications (ASCs) after percutaneous lower extremity revascularization and to evaluate the benefit of routine ultrasound-guided access (RUS) in decreasing ASCs.

METHODS

We reviewed all consecutive percutaneous revascularizations (percutaneous transluminal angioplasty or stent) performed for lower extremity atherosclerosis at our institution from 2002 to 2012. RUS began in September 2007. Primary outcome was any ASC (bleeding, groin or retroperitoneal hematoma, vessel rupture, or thrombosis). Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine predictors of ASC.

RESULTS

A total of 1371 punctures were performed on 877 patients (43% women; median age, 69 [interquartile range, 60-78] years) for claudication (29%), critical limb ischemia (59%), or bypass graft stenosis (12%) with 4F to 8F sheaths. There were 72 ASCs (5%): 52 instances of bleeding or groin hematoma, nine pseudoaneurysms, eight retroperitoneal hematomas, two artery lacerations, and one thrombosis. ASCs were less frequent when RUS was used (4% vs 7%; P = .02). Multivariable predictors of ASC were age >75 years (odds ratio [OR], 2.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1-3.7; P = .03), congestive heart failure (OR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.1-1.3; P = .02), preoperative warfarin use (OR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.1-3.5; P = .02), and RUS (OR, 0.4; 95% CI, 0.2-0.7; P < .01). Vascular closure devices (VCDs) were not associated with lower rates of ASCs (OR, 1.1; 95% CI, 0.6-1.9; P = .79). RUS lowered ASCs in those >75 years (5% vs 12%; P < .01) but not in those taking warfarin preoperatively (10% vs 13%; P = .47). RUS did not decrease VCD failure (6% vs 4%; P = .79).

CONCLUSIONS

We were able to decrease the rate of ASCs during lower extremity revascularization with the implementation of RUS. VCDs did not affect ASCs. Particular care should be taken with patients >75 years old, those with congestive heart failure, and those taking warfarin.

[Vascular complications at the femoral access: impact of the percutaneous closure device Perclose]

INTRODUCTION

Vascular complications at the femoral access site is an important factor of morbidity. The aims of this study were to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the percutaneous closure device (Perclose) during interventional cardiology procedures.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

All patients with percutaneous closure of the femoral access site by the Perclose system in 2010 were included. We evaluated the indications of the procedures, the success rate of implantation and the bleeding complications according to antithrombotic therapy used.

RESULTS

Three hundred and seventy five patients underwent a percutaneous closure by the Perclose system. Acute coronary syndromes with or without elevation of ST segment were the main indications of procedures (74.9%). The success rate of percutaneous closure of the femoral access site was 97.3%. The rate of minor, moderate, and severe bleeding of the entire cohort according to the GUSTO classification was respectively 4.2%, 0.5% and 1%. Bleeding complications were similar in both groups of patients (2.1% vs 7% P=0.122). In case of unsuccessful deployment of femoral closure devices, the risk of bleeding complications range from 4.3% to 60% (P=0.0000036).

CONCLUSION

The use of the Perclose system is associated with a low rate of severe bleeding at the femoral access site. However, the failures of percutaneous closure increase the risk of bleeding complications.

Minimizing femoral artery access complications during percutaneous coronary intervention: a comprehensive review

Major bleeding complications after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) increase patient morbidity, prolong the hospital stay and costs, and are associated with reduced survival. Transfemoral access is still preferred at many centers given its familiarity and ease of use and is necessary in cases where large bore access is needed. Multimodality imaging with fluoroscopy, ultrasonography, and angiography can facilitate proper puncture of the common femoral artery. A proper technique (which includes femoral artery puncture and vascular access site closure) associated with adequate pharmacotherapy (both during PCI and peri-procedural, for the treatment of the underlying coronary artery disease) has been shown to reduce the risk of bleeding and vascular complications associated with femoral artery access. Avoiding the use of arterial sheaths >6 French may further reduce the risk of bleeding. Data with vascular closure devices as a bleeding avoidance strategy are evolving but when used appropriately may further reduce the risk of bleeding and vascular access complications, and in this regard are synergistic with bivalirudin. Randomized trials to confirm these recommendations are needed.