Wire vascular closure device: evaluation of an evidence-based protocol for post-endovascular procedure patients

Vascular closure devices (VCDs) can shorten the time to hemostasis, ambulation and discharge and improve patient comfort.(1) An evidence-based practice (EBP) project was initiated to assess impact of a shortened postoperative compression and bed rest protocol on patients undergoing arteriotomy using a wire vascular closure device (WVCD). Following protocol development, a post-implementation evaluation was initiated to assess selected outcomes including compression and bed rest time, complication rate and possible related variables. Following implementation of the new protocol, clinicians were able to shorten both compression and bed rest times by 50%, and Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) length of stay decreased to a maximum of 5 hours.