The application of a vascular closure device for closing a gastrostomy opening used for procedural access

Percutaneous Transgastric Duodenal Stenting and Gastrostomy Repair Using a Vascular Closure Device: Proof of Concept in a Porcine Model

Introduction. Gastroduodenal stenting is efficacious and safe in both benign and malignant foregut diseases. Transgastric duodenal stenting has been described and however requires a gastrostomy tube to remain in situ for 4 to 6 weeks post-procedure which can lead to complications. We present a technique for immediate gastric repair using a suture-mediated vascular closure device, without the need for a gastrostomy tube in porcine models. Methods. Percutaneous access into the stomach was achieved using fluoroscopy. Two or 3 Perclose Proglide devices were pre-deployed. The tract was dilated and a wire advanced into the distal duodenum. A 15.5 cm covered enteric stent was delivered through the gastrostomy, deployed and position confirmed. The gastrostomy was closed using Perclose Proglide sutures. Necropsy leak pressure measurement was performed to assess integrity of gastrostomy closure in the porcine models. Results. Two (n = 8) or 3 (n = 2) Perclose Proglide devices were deployed in ten porcine models, with 1 misfire (4.5%). Percutaneous transgastric access and stent delivery was successful in all porcine models. Mean leak pressure in the animals with adequately deployed devices was 219 mmHg (range 172 mmHg-270 mmHg). Conclusion. This study demonstrates percutaneous transgastric duodenal stenting with immediate gastric repair using suture-mediated vascular closure devices is a feasible procedure.