Vasoseal hemostasis following coronary interventions with abciximab

Femoral arteriotomy management using a collagen vascular hemostasis device (VasoSeal, Datascope Corporation, Montvale, New Jersey) was studied in 50 consecutive patients following interventional coronary procedures performed with abciximab (ReoPro, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana). Low-dose weight-adjusted or no heparin was employed. The first 25 patients were permitted to sit up after 6 hours with ambulation the following day. The second 25 patients were allowed to sit up after 1 hour and ambulate after 6 hours. Despite early activity and ambulation, there were no hemorrhagic complications including hematoma, pseudoaneurysm, blood transfusion, or surgical repair. Hemoglobin and platelet counts remained stable overnight prior to discharge. This pilot study demonstrates the potential efficacy of VasoSeal in achieving early sheath removal and ambulation in patients undergoing interventional procedures using ReoPro.