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Early experience with infectious complications of percutaneous femoral artery closure devices
1Departments of Surgery, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA 30912, USA.
Insights
Percutaneous femoral artery closure devices may increase the risk of rare infections like pseudoaneurysms after cardiac procedures. Further research is needed to confirm this association.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Percutaneous femoral artery closure devices are standard post-cardiac catheterization.
- Advocated benefits include reduced hospital stay, early ambulation, and less bleeding.
Observation:
- A review of device use at an institution identified three infectious complications.
- Cases included two pseudoaneurysms and one infected hematoma.
Findings:
- Infected pseudoaneurysms were rare before routine use of these closure devices.
- The study suggests a potential link between device use and increased infected pseudoaneurysms.
Implications:
- Clinicians should be aware of potential infectious risks associated with femoral artery closure devices.
- Further investigation into device-related infections is warranted to ensure patient safety.
Abstract:
Percutaneous femoral artery closure devices are being used routinely after cardiac catheterizations. The use of these devices has been advocated to decrease length of stay, promote early ambulation, and prevent bleeding. We reviewed the use of these devices in our institution and report three cases of infectious complications (two pseudoaneurysms and one infected hematoma). Reports of infected pseudoaneurysms after cardiac catheterization before the implementation of these devices are rare. The use of these devices may be associated with an increased incidence of infected femoral pseudo-aneurysms.