Acute leg ischemia: the dark side of a percutaneous femoral artery closure device

Ann Vasc Surg. 2006 Mar;20(2):278-81. doi: 10.1007/s10016-006-9005-3. Epub 2006 Mar 21.

Abstract

The use of femoral artery closure devices to obtain hemostasis after percutaneous catheterization has become widespread because of their proven feasibility in combination with patient-related advantages. Since 2002 more than 6,500 patients have undergone either diagnostic angiography or therapeutic intervention via the femoral route with an Angioseal closure device in our hospital. We were faced with six cases of limb-threatening complications, which are described here. Most (5/6) complications were of obstructive origin due to traumatic dissection or occlusion of the artery mainly caused by malpositioning of the device. Recommendations are made in order to prevent or successfully overcome this certainly increasing problem in the vascular field.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Catheterization, Peripheral*
  • Female
  • Femoral Artery*
  • Hemostatic Techniques / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Ischemia / etiology*
  • Leg / blood supply*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic
  • Retrospective Studies