Immediate sealing of arterial puncture sites after cardiac catheterization and coronary interventions: initial U.S. feasibility trial using the Duett vascular closure device

Techniques for Managing Complications of Arterial Closure Devices

According to data reported by the American Heart Association, more than 5 million diagnostic and therapeutic catheterizations are performed each year in the United States. The number of catheterizations has tripled since 1979. It has been estimated that complications related to the access site result in more than 75,000 surgical procedures annually. Thus, improved management of the access site itself is essential to achieve the greater goals of improved care and reduced cost. Manual compression directly over the site of arterial puncture usually results in adequate hemostasis but has several significant drawbacks. Manual compression is uncomfortable for the patient, is fatiguing and time-consuming for staff, and necessitates several hours of costly in-hospital observation. In addition, it may be ineffective in achieving hemostasis, especially in the setting of systemic anticoagulation or following the use of large-bore devices. Based on the perceived need for an improved method of managing the arterial access site following catheterization, various vascular sealing devices have been developed. There are at least 8 (and the number is increasing) hemostatic vascular closure devices that are currently approved by the FDA for access site closure after femoral arterial catheterization. The chief advantage attributed to vascular sealing devices is accelerated access site hemostasis, even in the setting of anticoagulation, leading to earlier ambulation and hospital discharge following arterial catheterization. The most important drawbacks related to vascular sealing devices include the cost of the devices and the possibility of increased access site complications. Despite the paucity of properly designed studies supporting their use, it is estimated that over one million vascular sealing devices are used annually in the United States, a number that has increased dramatically in the past 5 years.In this review, we present a brief description of the design and function of the most widely used devices, describe the most common mechanisms of failure, and recommend strategies for management of access site complications including hemorrhage, arterial obstruction, and infection.

Arterial thrombosis after using Angio-Seal

Percutaneous closure systems of arterial puncture sites are being used more and more in modern endovascular practice. In this article, we report five cases of thrombotic complications following Angio-Seal deployment which required to be treated in our department between June 2004 and January 2006. We carried out a computerized literature review using "vascular closure" as a keyword and elected 106 articles published between 1992 and 2007. The analysis of this literature review showed that the rate of percutaneous closure complications was similar to the rate of manual compression complications, which is still the reference method. The complications associated with the use of these systems were more complex and more often required surgical repair. The severity and frequency of these complications differ based on the type of closure systems. The vascular surgeon in charge must have a good knowledge of these systems and of the complications each of them entails to be able to treat them in the most appropriate way.

Vascular Closure Devices

This article summarizes the vascular closure device technologies that are available to physicians who perform percutaneous catheter-based procedures.

The safety and efficacy of the StarClose® vascular closure system: The ultrasound substudy of the CLIP study

BACKGROUND

The StarClose Vascular Closure System (Abbott Vascular, Redwood City, CA) features a nitinol clip that is designed to achieve closure of the femoral arteriotomy access site. The CLIP Study was performed to assess the safety and efficacy of StarClose when compared with standard manual compression following 5-6 French diagnostic or interventional percutaneous procedures. A substudy of this trial was designed to assess the utility of duplex ultrasonography to assess patency of the femoral artery and to determine access site complications (pseudoaneurysm, arteriovenous fistula, hematoma, deep vein thrombosis) in a multicenter prospective trial. This is the report of the duplex ultrasound (DUS) substudy of the CLIP trial.

METHODS

A total of 17 U.S. sites enrolled 596 subjects with 483 subjects randomized at a 2:1 ratio to receive StarClose or manual compression of the arteriotomy after a percutaneous procedure. The study included roll-in (n = 113), diagnostic (n = 208), and interventional (n = 275) arms with a primary safety endpoint of major vascular complications through 30 days and a primary efficacy endpoint of postprocedure time to hemostasis. A substudy of the CLIP interventional arm evaluated DUS images of the closure site at five study sites, targeting 100 subjects at day 30 following hemostasis. The DUS protocol was devised and implemented by an independent vascular ultrasound core laboratory with extensive experience in vascular device trials. DUS inguinal region from 6 cm proximal to 6 cm distal to the arteriotomy puncture was performed. A qualitative examination was performed to determine the presence of iatrogenic vascular injuries: hematoma, pseudoaneurysm (PSA), arteriovenous fistula (AVF), and arterial/venous thrombosis or stenosis using 2-dimensional gray scale, color, and focused Doppler images.

RESULTS

DUS of 96 subjects randomized to StarClose (n = 71) and compression (n = 25) were performed and evaluated. There was no evidence of hematoma, PSA, or AVF observed in the StarClose group. No StarClose subjects in the substudy had a PSA or AVF. All patients in the substudy demonstrated patency of the access site artery and vein without thrombosis or stenosis. Finally, in the entire study cohort, no clinically-driven DUS studies demonstrated iatrogenic vascular injury or vessel thrombosis in the StarClose treated patients.

CONCLUSION

DUS, a safe and reliable method for determining the safety and efficacy of access site closure devices, is a reliable, safe, inexpensive and accurate method of assessing vascular access site complications in multicenter trials. In this substudy of the CLIP study, DUS found no statistical difference in access site complications between the StarClose and manual compression groups. Both groups maintained vessel patency without stenosis, thrombosis, hematoma, pseudoaneurysm, or AV fistula.

Case-controlled comparison of a percutaneous collagen arteriotomy closure device versus manual compression after liver chemoembolization

PURPOSE

To compare complications and outcomes between the use of the Duett collagen closure device after one or multiple deployments and manual compression in patients treated with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) for primary or metastatic liver cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A database of 214 patients who underwent a total of 426 TACE procedures between July 2001 and July 2003 was retrospectively analyzed with regard to the use of the Duett closure device to obtain hemostasis. The Duett device was used in 211 cases (121 patients), whereas manual compression was performed in 215 cases (93 patients). Primary endpoints included complications related to hemostasis, time to hemostasis (TTH), time to ambulation (TTA), and time to discharge (TTD). Risk factors were tested for correlation with complications (P < .05). Other endpoints included descriptive data regarding the Duett treatment group.

RESULTS

Only minor complications were observed in both groups, without a statistically significant difference (P = .16). The mean TTH and TTA were significantly shorter (P < .0001) in the Duett group, whereas there was no difference in TTD between groups (P = .59). Reaccessing the same arterial site for separate procedures was not a significant risk factor for complications in the Duett group (P < .0001).

CONCLUSION

The Duett closure device achieves similar safety and efficacy as manual compression in this distinct group of patients. In addition, this device can be safely and repetitively deployed at the arteriotomy site after each TACE procedure.

The use of closure devices

The use of arterial closure devices offers significant benefits over manual compression in achieving groin hemostasis following catheter-based procedures. Several currently available devices provide rapid puncture site closure with complication rates similar to that of manual compression. Closure devices allow for early times to ambulation and hospital discharge, and have a high degree of patient satisfaction. Their use may be of particular benefit inpatients that are anticoagulated. We believe that their use should be strongly considered in all patients following femoral artery catheterization.

Comparison of effects of a thrombin-based femoral artery closure device with those of a mechanical compression device on serum C-reactive protein and amyloid A after percutaneous coronary intervention

The present study evaluates whether the closing procedure of the femoral artery after percutaneous coronary intervention influences the degree of inflammation related to the procedure as measured by C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum amyloid A (SAA). A thrombin-based device (Duett sealing device) was compared with a mechanical compression device (FemoStop).

Percutaneous arterial closure devices

Advances in interventional angiography such as covered stent technology and adjunctive anticoagulation and antiplatelet therapy for arterial recanalization have reached the margins of percutaneous application. In these circumstances, compression methods of arterial closure require prolonged compression or long arterial sheath dwell times that increase procedural time, complication rates, and patient discomfort. Percutaneous arterial closure devices offer the potential of rapid hemostasis and shorter times to ambulation and discharge. These benefits have costs, in terms of the price of the devices and complications of their use. A Web search identified approved and pending devices. A Medline search identified device studies that were reviewed to assess the efficacy and complication rates of device-mediated closure versus the gold standard of manual compression. Studies that compared devices were evaluated to determine if any particular device was superior. The arterial closure devices were equivalent to manual compression in the establishment of hemostasis in the diagnostic population. However, complication rates were higher. In the therapeutic populations, the devices were as efficacious as manual compression, without correction of anticoagulation, and the complication rates were similar. No individual device was clearly superior.

Arteriographic and pathologic evaluation of two suture-mediated arterial closure devices in a porcine model

PURPOSE

To determine the acute and short-term effects the Sutura 8-F SuperStitch and Perclose 6-F Closer devices have on the femoral artery, as determined by angiography and pathologic examination.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From a common carotid artery cutdown, eight pigs underwent pelvic angiography (i) before placement of bilateral common femoral artery vascular sheaths, (ii) after sheath insertion, and (iii) after device deployment. Two pigs were immediately killed; six survived 4 weeks for repeat angiography and vessel harvest.

RESULTS

Average vessel diameter before sheath insertion was 5.9 mm +/- 0.6 and 5.8 mm +/- 0.6 for vessels with Perclose and Sutura devices, respectively. After deployment of the Sutura device, there was a 44.7% (P =.001) mean diameter reduction from preprocedural diameters, compared to a 59.3% reduction (P <.001) with the Perclose device. After deployment of the Sutura device, there was a mean vessel diameter reduction of 14.1% (P =.53) versus the diameter immediately after sheath placement. After deployment of the Perclose device, there was a mean vessel diameter reduction of 43.8% (P =.05) versus the diameter immediately after sheath placement. At 4-week angiography, all vessels returned to their original diameters before sheath insertion. Pathologic examination showed mild adventitial fibrosis creating a "fibrous hood" surrounding the suture and vessel.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite significant luminal compromise after device deployment, all vessels appeared normal on angiography at 4 weeks. Contrary to the normal angiographic findings, both devices incited periadventitial fibrosis, which created a fibrous hood around the suture and vessel.

Percutaneous suture-mediated closure of femoral access sites deployed through the procedure sheath: initial clinical experience with a novel vascular closure device

The objective of this study was to assess the initial safety and feasibility of a novel suture-mediated device for closure of femoral access sites immediately after diagnostic or interventional cardiac catheterization. In a prospective study, 150 patients (mean age, 61.5 years; 109 male) underwent femoral access closure with a novel suture closure device (Superstitch, Sutura) immediately after diagnostic (n = 106) or interventional (n = 44) catheterization procedures, independently of the coagulation status. All patients were monitored for 24 hr after the procedure. The closure device was successfully deployed in 92% of patients. Immediate hemostasis was achieved in 77% of patients with no differences between patients undergoing diagnostic catheterization or coronary interventions (79% vs. 73%; P = 0.659). After 2 min of additional light manual compression, hemostasis was achieved in 92% of patients. There was one major complication requiring vascular surgery (0.7%). The novel suture closure device is a safe and effective device that allows for immediate closure of femoral puncture sites after both diagnostic and interventional procedures with a low rate of major complications.

Systematic use of a collagen-based vascular closure device immediately after cardiac catheterization procedures in 1,317 consecutive patients

Despite recent advances in interventional cardiology, vascular access complications continue to be a significant problem. Conventional manual compression of the femoral access site is associated with prolonged immobilization and significant patient discomfort. We investigated the performance of a collagen-based closure device applied immediately after catheterization and its complication rate in 1,317 consecutive patients undergoing cardiac catheterization or coronary angioplasty. Patients undergoing coronary angioplasty (n = 644) received more heparin than patients with diagnostic cardiac catheterization (n = 673; 9,675 +/- 1,144 IU vs. 6,419 +/- 2,211 IU; P < 0.0001). Deployment success rates of the closure device were comparable for patients undergoing diagnostic vs. interventional procedures (95.8% vs. 96.7%; P = 0.46). Complete hemostasis immediately after deployment of the device was achieved in > 90% of all patients, but was lower in the interventional group (93.7% vs. 90.6%; P = 0.05). Major complications including any vascular surgery, major bleeding requiring transfusion, retroperitoneal hematoma, thrombosis or loss of distal pulses, groin infections, significant groin hematoma, and death were observed in 0.53% of all patients, with no differences between diagnostic or interventional patients (0.62% vs. 0.45%; P = 0.953). Subgroup analysis revealed female gender as a predictor of access site complications. Systematic sealing of femoral access sites after both diagnostic and interventional procedures allows for immediate sheath removal with reliable hemostasis. The use of a collagen-based closure device is associated with a low rate of clinically significant complications.

Percutaneous management of access site complications

Percutaneous cardiac catheterization and endovascular procedures are associated with complications at the vascular access site. While surgery has been the traditional treatment for vascular access complications, the current state of the art permits percutaneous management of many access site complications. Surgical repair may be required only when percutaneous methods fail, are not available, or are unsuitable.

Infectious complications resulting from use of hemostatic puncture closure devices

BACKGROUND

Femoral access site complications have increased as the fields of invasive cardiology, radiology, and endovascular surgery have emerged. In order to address one of these complications, hemorrhage, the hemostatic puncture closure devices were developed.

METHODS

Retrospective review of cardiac catheterizations performed at a single institution to investigate infectious groin complications related to use of the Perclose Prostar and Techstar devices.

RESULTS

Infectious groin complications were significantly higher in the Perclose group as compared with manual compression. Three patients had clinical and laboratory evidence of arterial infection whereas 2 had soft tissue infections. All 5 required operative intervention ranging from incision and drainage to arterial reconstruction. Hemorrhagic complications were not significantly different between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The Perclose devices provide hemostasis after femoral artery catheterization similar to manual compression. However, infectious groin complications appear to be more common with these devices.

Early clinical experience with the 6 French Angio-Seal device: immediate closure of femoral puncture sites after diagnostic and interventional coronary procedures

The objective of this study was to assess the early safety and efficacy of the novel 6 Fr Angio-Seal device for routine clinical use after diagnostic cardiac catheterization and coronary angioplasty. In a prospective study, we used the 6 Fr Angio-Seal device in 180 consecutive patients (131 male, 49 female, mean age 60.7 years) for closure of femoral arterial puncture sites immediately after diagnostic (n = 108) or interventional (n = 72) coronary procedures independent of the coagulation status. All patients were monitored for 24 hr after the procedure and followed for 30 days. The closure device was successfully deployed in 95.4% after diagnostic catheterization versus 98.6% after coronary angioplasty (P = 0.963). Immediate hemostasis was achieved in 91.5% versus 90.1% of the patients (P = 0.993). Major complications were observed 1.9% versus 2.8% of the patients (P = 0.885). During 30-day follow-up, no late events or complications were reported. The 6 Fr Angio-Seal device is a safe and effective device that allows for immediate closure of femoral puncture sites after both diagnostic and interventional procedures with a low rate of major complications.