Elsevier

Annals of Vascular Surgery

Volume 15, Issue 5, September 2001, Pages 567-570
Annals of Vascular Surgery

Infection is an Unusual But Serious Complication of a Femoral Artery Catheterization Site Closure Device

https://doi.org/10.1007/s10016-001-0002-2Get rights and content

Percutaneous devices have been developed to close the femoral artery puncture site after catheterization. Because direct compression is not needed, the devices save time for the treating health-care provider, reduce patient discomfort, and obviate the need for post-catheterization bed rest. Reported complications with use of these devices are similar in nature and frequency to those accompanying direct compression. Complications of infection requiring surgical treatment are exceedingly rare with use of these devices. We describe a series of five catheterization site infections occurring among 1807 patients (0.3%) whose femoral artery puncture was closed with a percutaneous suture closure device. All patients required operative intervention and there was one late death. Physicians should be aware of this uncommon but serious complication to expedite evaluation and treatment of patients with suspected infections from these devices.

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